64 STICHERA FOR CHRISTMAS-TIDE.
7,6,7,6
Anatolius, ~458
μεγα και παραδοξον Θαυμα.
A great and mighty wonder! A full and holy cure!661st ed.: The festal makes secure: The Virgin bears the Infant, With Virgin-honour pure! | The Word becomes Incarnate,77Compare S. Thomas: Verbum supernum prodiens, Nec Patris linquens dexteram. And yet remains on high: And Cherubim sing anthems To shepherds from the sky. | 65 And we with them triumphant Repeat the hymn again: “To GOD on high be glory, And peace on earth to men!” | While thus they sing your Monarch, Those bright angelic bands, Rejoice, ye vales and mountains! Ye oceans, clap your hands! | Since all He comes to ransom, By all be He adored, The Infant born in Bethlehem, The Saviour and the LORD! | And idol forms shall perish, And error shall decay, And CHRIST shall wield His sceptre, Our LORD and GOD for aye. | |
[In Mr. Young’s book. Melody of Christus der ist mein Leben. Harmony by M. Vulpius, 1609.]