This hymn is a translation of the Latin hymn “Personent hodie,” originally published in 1582 Finnish songbook Piae Cantiones. The Latin hymn derives from the 12th century song “Intonent hodie ” which was originally written about St. Nicholas, and then, was rewritten to be used for the feast of the Holy Innocents.  We are most familiar with the unison arrangement by Gustave Holst.

1. On this day earth shall ring
with the song children sing
to the Lord, Christ our King,
born on earth to save us;
him the Father gave us.

Refrain:
Id-e-o-o-o, id-e-o-o-o,
Id-e-o gloria in excelsis Deo!

2. His the doom, ours the mirth;
when he came down to earth,
Bethlehem saw his birth;
ox and ass beside him
from the cold would hide him. Refrain

3. God’s bright star, o’er his head,
Wise Men three to him led;
kneel they low by his bed,
lay their gifts before him,
praise him and adore him. Refrain

4. On this day angels sing;
with their song earth shall ring,
praising Christ, heaven’s King,
born on earth to save us;
peace and love he gave us. Refrain