rejoice

today's Latin lesson is sponsored by a song we're singing for Christmas Eve service. because i wanted to know the meaning behind the words, i looked up "Gaudete". it is a sacred Christmas carol, composed in the 16th Century. the text is a typical medieval song of praise, usually about Mary, the saints, or other Christmastide themes.

Gaudete, gaudete! Christus est natus
Ex Maria virgine, gaudete!
Tempus adest gratiae
Hoc quod optabamus,
Carmina laetitiae
devote reddamus.

Rejoice, rejoice! Christ is born
Of the Virgin Mary--rejoice!
The time of grace has come--
This that we have desired,
Verses of joy
Let us devoutly return.