II. Deh venitene, pastori
The Call to the Manger
The shepherds are invited to witness the humble birth of the Messiah, who lies in a manger without royal trappings.
Oh, come, shepherds, to see Jesus who has been born—born naked in the manger, more radiant than the sun. Come quickly to see the beautiful Messiah; only Joseph is there with Mary, his glorious mother. Never was there so precious a creature, nor will there ever be: still with them for company are only the ox and the little donkey.✦ The Lord of lords has neither rags, nor swaddling bands, nor a cloak; and from heaven the Choirs come down to see the Godhead.✦✦
The Celestial Chorus
The heavenly hierarchies descend to sing praises and announce peace on earth.
The Powers arrive there; the Cherubim, the Virtues, and the Seraphim arrive there, along with the entire hierarchy. And with sweet melody, thanking Him with longing: "Glory in heaven to God Most High, and on earth let there be peace!"
The Victory of the King
The birth of Christ is celebrated as a victory over the enemy and a source of joy for all, inviting the faithful to contemplate his suffering for humanity.
Shepherds, come along to visit the Lord; you'll hear singing and see the King of glory. Today is the day of victory, when the enemy will be grieved, and the fathers will joyfully hear this news. A star has appeared to light the whole world; come and give thanks to Jesus Christ the Almighty. All devout minds, contemplating with sweetness. How the divine Majesty is willing to suffer for our sins.1
Read the original Latin
Deh venitene, pastori, A veder Gesù ch’ è nato, Nel presepio ignudo nato, Più che ’l sole risplendiente.
Venitene prestamente A vedere il bel Messia; Sol Giuseppo con Maria, La sua madre glorïosa.
Mai non fu sì prezïosa Creatura, nè mai fia: Evvi ancora in compagnia Solo ’l bue e l’ asinello.
Pezze, fascie, nè mantello Non ha il signor de’ signori: E dal ciel discende i Cori Per veder la deitate.
Quivi vien le Potestate, Quivi viene e’ Cherubini, Le Virtù e’ Serafini Con tutta la gerarchia.
E con dolce melodia Ringraziandol con disio: «Gloria in cielo all’alto Dio E in terra pace sia!»
O pastor, venite via El Signore a visitare; Vo’ sentirete cantare E vedrete il re di gloria.
Oggi è il dì della vittoria, Che ’l nimico fia dolente, E li padri allegramente Sentiranno tal novella.
Apparita è una stella, Tutto ’l mondo a ’lluminare: Venite a ringrazïare Gesù Cristo onnipotente;
Tutte le divote mente Contemplando con dolcezza. Come la divina altezza Patir vuol pe’ nostri errori.
Scripture echoes
- ↩Isa.1.3 — An ox knows its owner, and a donkey its master's manger; but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.
- ↩1Tim.6.15;Rev.17.14 — which he will display in his own time—the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of those who reign and Lord of those who rule. Rev.17.14 — These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called, chosen, and faithful.
- ↩Luke.2.7 — And she gave birth to her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Notes
- 1 ↩Italian 'errori' can mean errors or sins; rendered as 'sins' for the lauda's redemptive sense. 'Altezza' is divine height/majesty.
Sacred Narratives (Storie Sacre) and Laude of Lucrezia Tornabuoni de' Medici companion
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