Ancient times.

Following on from yesterday's fine and ancient carol, here is another for today. More widely known as a hit for the group Steeleye Span in about 1973, the carol Gaudete was written during the 16th Century and first appeared in print in about 1582. The Latin words originate from sacred texts of the Middle Ages.
It begins quietly, swells to a crescendo before fading again towards it's conclusion and starts with the lines "Gaudete, gaudete! Christus est natus Ex Maria virgine, gaudete". Translated, this means "Rejoice, rejoice! Christ is born Of the Virgin Mary, rejoice!" Sing along if you like, the words are below...

Gaudete, gaudete! Christus est natus

Ex Maria virgine, gaudete!

Tempus adest gratiæ

Hoc quod optabamus,

Carmina lætitiæ

Devote reddamus.

Deus homo factus est

Natura mirante,

Mundus renovatus est

A Christo regnante.

Ezechielis porta

Clausa pertransitur,

Unde lux est orta

Salus invenitur.

Ergo nostra contio

Psallat lam in lustro;

Benedicat Domino:

Salus Regi nostro.