Il est né, le Divin Enfant

Nobody knows who painted this nativity scene, today found in the Hungarian National Gallery in Budapest, although they do approximate a date for it: 1450 CE.

What I like about it is the face of Mary, oddly very human. Not that holy, more a concerned woman who gave birth in rough circumstances, but is swept away by the child she brought forth.

With this image, and the carol that follows, I wish you a very Merry Christmas, and ask that you share my hope for peace on earth, our goodwill toward each other.

(My favorite carol is French, Il est né, le Divin Enfant. Here is the English translation:)

He is born, the divine infant,
rejoice oboes, resound bagpipes.
He is born, the divine infant,
let us sing at his nativity!

For over four thousand years,
since the prophets foretold his coming;
for over four thousand years,
have we waited for this happy time.

He is born, the divine infant...
Ah! He is beautiful, he is charming,
his graces are perfect!
Ah! He is beautiful, he is charming,
he is sweet, the divine infant.

He is born, the divine infant...
In a stable is he lodged, a little straw for his crib;
in a stable is he lodged, what humility for a God!
He is born, the divine infant...

O Jesus! O all-powerful king!
As a little baby you come to us.
O Jesus! O all-powerful king!
Reign over us entirely!

He is born, the divine infant!