This sacred 16th century carol was first published in a collection of Swedish/Finnish Christmas Carols called the Piae Cantiones. The Latin text is a typical medieval song of praise, both to the Christ Child and the Virgin Mother.

Text

Gaudete! Gaudete!
Christus est natus ex Maria virgine.
Gaudete!

Tempus adest gratiae, hoc quod optabamus;
carmina laetitiae devote reddamus.

Deus homo factus est, natura mirante;
mundus renovatus est a Christo regnante.

Ezechiellis porta clausa pertransitur;
unde lux est orta, salus invenitur.

Ergo nostra contio psallat iam in lustro;
Benedicat Domino; salus regi nostro.

Translation

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Christ is born of the Virgin Mary.
Rejoice!

The time of grace has come, for which we have prayed;
songs of gladness with devotion we offer.

God is made human in this wonderful birth;
the world is renewed through the rule of Christ.

The closed gate of Ezechiel has been passed through;
from where the light rises, Salvation is discovered.

Therefore let our congregation now sing psalms in sacrifice;
let us bless the Lord, King of our Salvation.