II. Deh venitene, pastori
The Invitation to the Manger
The shepherds are called to witness the humble birth of the radiant Messiah in the manger.
Come, shepherds, come see Jesus who is born—born naked in the manger, more radiant than the sun. Come quickly to see the beautiful Messiah; only Joseph is with Mary, his glorious mother. There has never been a more precious creature, nor will there ever be; yet he is accompanied only by the ox and the little donkey.✦ The Lord of lords has neither rags, nor swaddling bands, nor even a cloak; and the choirs come down from heaven to see the Godhead.✦
The Heavenly Host and the Gloria
The angelic hierarchies descend to sing praises and proclaim peace on earth.
The Powers arrive there, along with the Cherubim, the Virtues, the Seraphim, and 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 Triumph of the King of Glory
The birth of Christ is celebrated as a victory over the enemy, inviting all believers to contemplate the divine sacrifice.
O shepherds, come along to visit the Lord; you will hear singing and see the King of glory.1 Today is the day of victory, when the enemy will grieve, and the fathers will gladly hear such news. A star has appeared to light up the whole world; come, give thanks to Jesus Christ the Almighty. All devout minds, contemplating with sweetness how the divine Majesty is willing to suffer for our sins.2
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.
- ↩Deut.10.17;1Tim.6.15;Rev.17.14 — For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. 1Tim.6.15 — 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.
Notes
Storie Sacre and Laude of Lucrezia Tornabuoni de' Medici companion
A prayer for every moment, already on your phone
Chosen Portion puts a curated historic prayer in front of you each day — so the words are there before the moment arrives.
Chosen Portion is the digital descendant of the carried prayer book: the short daily prayers this collection preserves, delivered one a day to your pocket.
- One short, memorable prayer delivered daily — build your repertoire a card at a time
- Prayers matched to real situations: fear, gratitude, decisions, grief, sleep
- Save favourites into your personal pocket collection you can open anywhere