He Is Born, the Divine Christ Child

Angels joyfully announced to shepherds tending their flocks that the Savior had been born. After the shepherds saw the Christ child for themselves, “they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds” (Luke 2:17–18).

The carol “He Is Born, the Divine Christ Child” captures the shepherds’ excitement as they bore witness of what they had seen and heard. “He is born, the divine Christ child; raise your voices in joyful melody!”

Both the text and tune originated in France and date to the 19th century. Known by the title “Il est né le divin Enfant,” it is one of the most popular Christmas carols in France and has been included in French and Tahitian hymnbooks of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Its enthusiastic refrain—sung at the beginning, after each verse, and again at the end—reflects the jubilant spirit of the Nativity story.

Find lyrics, sheet music, and recordings for He Is Born, the Divine Christ Child

Scriptures

Principles

In ancient times, prophets foretold that God would send His Son, Jesus Christ, to be the Savior of the world.
The mortal birth of Jesus Christ is a manifestation of God’s love for all His children.
The news of Jesus Christ’s mortal birth continues to bring joy to all who believe in His role as Savior.

Questions to Ponder

What do you learn about Jesus Christ from this hymn?
In what ways is the birth of Jesus Christ joyful news for everyone in the world?
How can your testimony of Jesus Christ lead you to become holy, as He is?

Related Gospel Study Guides

From Topics and Questions, Gospel Library:

Activities for Families

Rejoice in the birth of Jesus Christ.
- Help your children feel the joy and excitement the shepherds felt when an angel appeared and told them about the birth of Jesus Christ. Tell about how the shepherds eagerly went to find the Christ child and share the news of His birth (see Luke 2:8–18). Explain how the angels and shepherds celebrated with joyful praise when Jesus was born. Listen to or sing this hymn, and invite your children to notice the bright and happy melody.
- Ask your children how music can help them express the joy they feel because of Jesus Christ. Give each child a simple instrument—a set of bells, a wooden spoon to hit against a pot, and so on—and invite them to play it or to clap their hands with enthusiasm each time they hear the word “joyful” in the hymn. They can also stand or do a simple action to express their excitement. Invite them to find ways to use music to feel the joy of Jesus Christ’s birth and share that joy with others.
Testify of the divine Christ child. Sing the chorus together, and explain to your children that divine means related to or coming from God. Jesus Christ is divine because He is God’s Son. When we sing about “the divine Christ child,” we are testifying that Jesus is who prophets have said He is—the promised Savior, the Messiah, the Christ. Invite family members to share how they came to believe that Jesus is the Christ or to talk about a time they felt His love. Sing the hymn again, encouraging your children to sing the words “the divine Christ child” with love and testimony.