Quatre motets pour le temps de Noel was completed in 1952. Following the narrative of the Nativity, Poulenc intended that the movements be performed together, although they have often been performed separately. O magnum mysterium is a responsorial chant traditionally recanted during the Christmas Matins, the monastic nighttime liturgy that ends at dawn. Quem vidistis pastores dicite recalls the message given to the shepherds of the Savior's birth. The text of Videntes stellam, a responsory for the Christmas Matins, paints a picture of the star in the sky that leads the Magi to Christ. Hodie Christus natus est is an Antiphon to the Magnificat, which is sung during the vespers on Christmas Day. The text speaks of the world rejoicing over the birth of Christ.