The melody was published for the first time in 1863 by Jean-Romary Grosjean [fr], organist of the Cathedral of Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, in a collection of carols entitled Airs des noëls lorrains.

[2] The text of the carol details the birth of Jesus and the wait of 4000 years for this event, as foretold by the prophets.

It both observes the humility of Christ's birth in a stable and calls on the Kings of the Orient to attend the child.

One translation that is close in meaning is that by Edward Bliss Reed (1930):[3] Gabriel Fauré wrote several arrangements, including for solo voice and organ (1888), for choir and organ (1923), and for children's choir and chamber orchestra (1938).

David Willcocks, John Rutter and Kurt Suttner wrote modern choral versions.

[4] Refrain: —Il est né le divin enfant, —Jouez hautbois, résonnez musettes !

Depuis plus de quatre mille ans, Nous le promettaient les prophètes Depuis plus de quatre mille ans, Nous attendions cet heureux temps.

Venez vous unir à nos fêtes Partez, grands rois de l'Orient !

Refrain Chorus: –He is born, the Heav'nly Child, –Oboes play; set bagpipes sounding.