Deus homo factus est
Natura mirante,
Mundus renovatus est
a Christo regnante.
.
Gaudete, gaudete!
Christus est natus
Ex Maria virgine,
Gaudete!
Day 5….
One of my all-time favourites, Gaudete, even though it’s sung in Latin, has a tune most will recognise. Like the Carol I shared on Day 4, this also traces its origins back to the 16th century. Although, some suspect that its tune dates to the late medieval period.
Make no mistake, this tune’s appeal had it reaching number 14 in the UK charts back in 1973, sung by Steeleye Span!
It’s timeless medley aside. Its words proclaim the timeless impact of Christmas. Here’s the translation of the second verse and chorus (from the Latin above):
‘God has become man,
With nature marvelling,
The world has been renewed
By the reigning Christ.
Rejoice, rejoice!
Christ is born
Of the Virgin Mary
Rejoice!’
TRISTAN SHERWIN 
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