Thought for the Day by Tim Ward (St Chad’s)
Carol is derived from the French “Carole” or a circle dance, which became popular in the early middle ages. From the reformation carols were incorporated into religious processions and practice
Il Est Né Le Divin Enfant dates from the Vosges mountain region of North-east France in the 1870’s, though the tune is a hunting air from earlier. This and other “Chants de Noël “would accompany nativity plays prior to Christmas. Accordingly, the clip (labelled “French”) shows the song celebrating the birth, in and outside a French church.
The lyrics refer to Jesus as the fulfilment of 4,000years of waiting. They contrast his kingship and the humility of the stable. The message in the words below is to give our hearts to Jesus, Le Divin Enfant.
| Chorus: Il est né le divin enfant, Jouez hautbois, résonnez musettes ! Il est né le divin enfant, Chantons tous son avènement ! | 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. |
| Depuis plus de quatre mille ans, Nous le promettaient les prophètes Depuis plus de quatre mille ans, Nous attendions cet heureux temps. Chorus | ‘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 ! 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 | Ah, how lovely, Ah, how fair, What perfection is His graces. Ah, how lovely, Ah, how fair, Child divine, so gentle there. Chorus |
| Une étable est son logement Un peu de paille est sa couchette, Une étable est son logement Pour un dieu quel abaissement ! 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 |
| Partez, grands rois de l’Orient ! Venez vous unir à nos fêtes Partez, grands rois de l’Orient ! Venez adorer cet enfant ! 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 |
| 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 | He wants our hearts, he is waiting for them: He is here to conquer them He wants our hearts, he is waiting for them Let us give them to him at once! Chorus |
| O Jésus ! O Roi tout-puissant Tout petit enfant que vous êtes, O Jésus ! O Roi tout-puissant, Régnez sur nous entièrement ! Chorus | Oh Jesus! Oh All-Powerful King Such a little child that you are, Oh Jesus! Oh All-Powerful King, Rule over us entirely! Chorus https://lyricstranslate.com |
Here are some of the many versions:
Il Est Né Le Divin Enfant belongs in and outside church . It is a song for children and adults. True to the carolling traditions it is song of the street and a song for all. It remains though, a song with a message:
Il Est Né Le Divin Enfant.
