A Great and Mighty Wonder

"A great and mighty wonder" is a very ancient hymn with music dating back to the 16th century and words going back top the 8th century. It thus acts to demonstrate the enduring importance of Christmas in the Christian calendar.

Music: Es Ist Ein Ros’, Al­te Ca­thol­ische Geist­liche Kirch­en­ge­säng (Köln, Ger­ma­ny: 1599); har­mo­ny by Mic­hael Prae­tor­i­us, 1609

Lyrics: Words: St. Germanus, 734 (Μέγα χαί παράδοξον θαυμα); trans­lat­ed from Greek to Eng­lish by John M. Neale, 1862.

Lyrics
A great and mighty wonder, a full and holy cure:

The virgin bears the Infant with virgin honour pure!

Repeat the hymn again: “To God on high be glory

And peace on earth to men!”

The Word becomes incarnate and yet remains on high,

And cherubim sing anthems to shepherds from the sky.

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.

Repeat the hymn again: “To God on high be glory

And peace on earth to men!”

Since all He comes to ransom, by all be He adored,

The Infant born in Bethl’em, the Saviour and the Lord.

Repeat the hymn again: “To God on high be glory

And peace on earth to men!”

And idol forms shall perish, and error shall decay,

And Christ shall wield His sceptre, our Lord and God for aye.

Repeat the hymn again: “To God on high be glory

And peace on earth to men!”

External link

 * Cyberhymnal.org - A Great and Mighty Wonder - QuickTime or QuickTime Lite required.