Musical Advent Calendar - Day 8

Each day, from December 1 to December 25, I will post the text (and translation, if necessary) of an Advent- or Christmas-themed song, along with the URL for a YouTube video containing that song. (Select "Musical Advent Calendar" from the list of labels in the right sidebar to sort all of them out from the other posts on the blog.) You will note that each selection has a text, collectively representing the last 2000 years, and this is intentional. For the more familiar texts (such as popular Christmas carols), I have chosen a variety of interpretations and performers, from professional choirs to contemporary Christian worship leaders. I suggest that you follow the text as the music plays, and reflect on the words that proclaim the First Advent of our Savior, the Lord Jesus.

May our King, who promises to come again, reveal himself to you in a new way this Advent.

DECEMBER 8

O Magnum Mysterium

Text is a responsive chant from the Matins (Morning Prayer) of Christmas (unknown date)

Setting by Morten Lauridsen (1994)

Performed by the Nordic Chamber Choir

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn5ken3RJBo

O magnum mysterium, et admirabile sacramentum,

Ut animalia viderent Dominum natum, jacentum in praesepio!

Beata Virgo, cujus viscera meruerunt portare Dominum Christum.

Alleluia.

O great mystery, and wonderful sacrament,

That animals should see the newborn Lord, lying in a manger!

Blessed is the Virgin whose womb was worthy to bear Christ the Lord.

Alleluia!