Hodie Christus Natus Est (Today Christ is Born) is a Christmas chant antiphon, sung in the liturgy of Christmas Day.
The hymn is both solemn and full of hope. It acknowledges the presence of the Angels and Archangels among us, who rejoice at the birth of Our Savior. The hymn reminds the faithful to be full of hope, since Our Lord has brought salvation to the world.
This chant recalls the appearance of the Angels to the shepherds bringing them the Good News: “ ‘For, this day, is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David. ” (Luke 2:11-14)
Hodie Christus Natus Est is interpreted here by Giovanni Vianini.
Listen to Hodie Christus Natus Est
Lyrics:
Latin text
Hodie Christus natus est:
Hodie Salvator apparuit:
Hodie in terra canunt Angeli,
Laetantur Archangeli,
Hodie exsultant justi, dicentes:
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Alleluia.
English translation:
Today Christ is born:
Today the Savior appeared:
Today on Earth the Angels sing,
Archangels rejoice,
Today the righteous rejoice, saying:
Glory to God in the highest.
Alleluia.
