|
Now it happened that in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus to register all the empire. (This first registration took place when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to be registered, each one to his own town. So Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David, to be registered together with Mary, who was legally promised in marriage to him and* was pregnant. And it happened that while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son, and wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke’s biography of Jesus, 2: 1 Lexham English Bible) |
A Christmas recommendation for you. “Minuit, Chrétiens” (Midnight, Christians) is the original French-language version of the English carol “O Holy night.” But the original words are far more descriptive of the immense importance for us all of that momentous Christmas event. Below is the original version in italics with an attempted more-literal English translation.
The recommendation is that you may wish to enjoy this French original sung (with English sub-titles) on YouTube by Andrea Bocelli.
It was recorded at St Paul’s Cathedral in London for BBC Songs of Praise in January 2021.
|
|
Minuit, chrétiens, c'est l'heure solennelle, Où l'Homme-Dieu descendit jusqu'à nous Pour effacer la tache originelle
Midnight, Christians, it's the solemn hour, When God-man descended to us To erase the stain of original sin
Et de Son Père arrêter le courroux. Le monde entier tressaille d'espérance En cette nuit qui lui donne un Sauveur.
|
.
|
And to end the wrath of His Father. The entire world thrills with hope On this night that gives it a Savior.
Peuple à genoux, attends ta délivrance. Noël, Noël, voici le Rédempteur, Noël, Noël, voici le Rédempteur !
People kneel down, wait for your deliverance. Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer, Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer!
|
|
Le Rédempteur a brisé toute entrave : La terre est libre, et le ciel est ouvert. Il voit un frère où n'était qu'un esclave,
The Redeemer has overcome every obstacle: The Earth is free, and Heaven is open. He sees a brother where there was only a slave,
L'amour unit ceux qu'enchaînait le fer. Qui Lui dira notre reconnaissance, C'est pour nous tous qu'Il naît, Qu'Il souffre et meurt.
|
.
|
Love unites those that iron had chained. Who will tell Him of our gratitude, It's for all of us that He is born, That He suffers and dies.
Peuple debout ! Chante ta délivrance, Noël, Noël, chantons le Rédempteur, Noël, Noël, chantons le Rédempteur !
People stand up! Sing of your deliverance, Christmas, Christmas, sing of the Redeemer, Christmas, Christmas, sing of the Redeemer!
|
|
|
