Bryan says, "Il est né, le divin Enfant (English: He is born, the divine Child) is a traditional French Christmas carol, which was published for the first time in 1862 by R. Grosjean, organist of the Cathedral of Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, in a collection of carols entitled 'Airs des Noëls lorrains.' The text of the carol was published for the first time in a collection of ancient carols, published in either 1875 or 1876 by Dom G. Legeay."
He continues, "I chose this song as I served a mission in France, this was known mainly in France, I had never heard it before and not really after until I heard Kurt Bestor's rendition of it in his Christmas concert. This version is instrumental only but the words are simple and meaningful. It reminds me of Christmas in France and sets my mind at ease with the instruments, yet knowing the words and their meaning."
"Both of my Christmases in France were wonderful although the first was amazing. Our mission president wrote to all parents and asked for no gifts to be sent. Our gift was to have the true meaning of Christmas. Our district spent every day of the Christmas season performing for nursing homes and singing for other elderly individuals. That is all we did for about 2 weeks. It was tiring and so rewarding! I have a photo on Christmas Eve exchanging an identical Lindor chocolate bar among four elders--that was our present. A Christmas I will never forget!"
Bryan concludes by saying "I love this time of year. I love to remember how our Savior, Jesus Christ came to earth as a child. How he was with us all before He created the earth, atoned for us, died and was resurrected. We will all stand before Him after this life ends to be lovingly judged by Him. 'For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace' (Isaiah 9:6)."
ENGLISH VERSION
He is Born, the Divine Child
Chorus: He is born, the Heav'nly Child,
Oboes play; set bagpipes sounding
He is born, the Heav'nly Child.
Let all sing His nativity.
'Tis four thousand years and more,
Prophets have foretold His coming,
'Tis four thousand years and more,
Have we waited this happy hour. Chorus
Ah, how lovely, Ah, how fair,
What perfection is His graces,
Ah, how lovely, Ah, how fair.
Child divine, so gentle there. Chorus
In a stable lodged is He,
Straw is all He has for cradle.
In a stable lodged is He,
Oh how great humility! Chorus
Jesus Lord, O King with power,
Though a little babe You come here,
Jesus Lord, O King with power,
Rule o'er us from this glad hour. Chorus
FRENCH VERSION
Il est né, le divin Enfant
Chorus:
Il est né le divin enfant,
Jouez hautbois, résonnez musettes !
Il est né le divin enfant,
Chantons tous son avènement !
Depuis plus de quatre mille ans,
Nous le promettaient les prophètes
Depuis plus de quatre mille ans,
Nous attendions cet heureux temps.
Chorus
Ah ! Qu'il est beau, qu'il est charmant !
Ah ! que ses grâces sont parfaites !
Ah ! Qu'il est beau, qu'il est charmant !
Qu'il est doux ce divin enfant !
Chorus
Une étable est son logement
Un peu de paille est sa couchette,
Une étable est son logement
Pour un dieu quel abaissement !
Chorus
Partez, grands rois de l'Orient !
Venez vous unir à nos fêtes
Partez, grands rois de l'Orient !
Venez adorer cet enfant !
Chorus
Il veut nos cœurs, il les attend :
Il est là pour faire leur conquête
Il veut nos cœurs, il les attend :
Donnons-les lui donc promptement !
Chorus
O Jésus ! O Roi tout-puissant
Tout petit enfant que vous êtes,
O Jésus ! O Roi tout-puissant,
Régnez sur nous entièrement !
Chorus
Kurt Bestor version below.
I (Stew) also found this version that highlights the french accents...so awesome!
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