24 An Ambrosian Advent Hymn
Aurelius Ambrose (340-397 A.D.)
Come, Thou Saviour of our race, Choicest Gift of heavenly grace! O Thou blessed Virgin’s Son, Be Thy race on earth begun. | Not of mortal blood or birth, He descends from heaven to earth: By the Holy Ghost conceived, God and man by us believed. | Wondrous birth! O wondrous child Of the virgin undefiled! Though by all the world disowned, Still to be in heaven enthroned. | From the Father forth He came, And returneth to the same; Captive leading death and hell— High the song of triumph swell! | Equal to the Father now, Though to dust Thou once didst bow, Boundless shall Thy kingdom be; When shall we its glories see? | Brightly doth Thy manger shine! Glorious in its light divine: Let not sin o’ercloud this light, Ever be our faith thus bright. | |