I’m posting two versions of the same text, today, because this is one of those times when there are two versions I love equally. I’ve had the delight to sing both. The first is by Tomas Loius de Victoria, written in 1592. I must admit a personal love of this style–I’m a sucker for Polyphony and Baroque music, as you’ll see again tomorrow. I will be mixing it up more, soon, but sometimes, the old stuff just sets the context a little better.
This particular piece is a meditation on the wonder of the Incarnation, that it was not just humans taking part in the story, but the whole of Creation, as represented by all the animals that witnessed the Birth.

The second is more recent, by Morten Lauridsen in 1994. Just, take a listen. Put everything down and let it fill your ears

(there are several recordings of both on YouTube. I actually prefer the recording of the UST Chamber choir, but the recording quality wasn’t as good, and if you don’t already know the music, this one was better for hearing all the parts clearly.]

Latin text

O magnum mysterium,

et admirabile sacramentum,

ut animalia viderent Dominum natum,

jacentem in praesepio!

Beata Virgo, cujus viscera

meruerunt portare

Dominum Christum.

Alleluia.

English translation

O great mystery,

and wonderful sacrament,

that animals should see the new-born Lord,

lying in a manger!

Blessed is the Virgin whose womb

was worthy to bear

Christ the Lord.

Alleluia!