This lovely painting is found in a 15th century Italian monk's hymnal. We see Joseph and Mary kneeling prayerfully; the Infant Christ is resting on his mother's mantle. The Ox and the Donkey are eating away under a protective roof in the background. The craggy hills are alive with blooming trees and scrubs. The large initial letter H is painted in pink, blue, purple and green. "Hodie Nobis Caelorum Rex" — Today the King of Heaven...
And here are the lyrics to the carol A Virgin Unspotted (1778) sung by the vocal ensemble Chanticleer. The CD notes tell us the carol was composed by the American composer William Billings who was the first to use dance rhythms in his sacred works. You'll notice the jig-like refrain in this wonderfully happy Christmas piece. We shouldn't be scandalized — there are much-loved hymns to the Virgin Mary whose tunes were originally Irish pub songs. Mary might well be amused — after all, she was the one who alerted Jesus to the suddenly wine-less wedding at Cana.
A virgin unspotted, the prophet foretold
Should bring forth a Savior, which now we behold,
To be our Redeemer from death, hell and sin,
Which Adam's transgression involved us in.
Then let us be merry, put sorrow away:
Our Savior, Christ Jesus, was born on this day.
Through Bethlehem city, in Jury (Jewry), it was
That Joseph and Mary together did pass,
And for to be taxed when thither they came,
Since Caesar Augustus commanded the same.
Then let us be merry...
But Mary's full time being come, as we find,
She brought forth her first-born to save all mankind;
The inn being full, for this heavenly guest
No place there was found where to lay him to rest.
Then let us be merry...
Click here to listen to the carol.
