A GREAT AND MIGHTY WONDER

A HYMN FOR CHRISTMASTIDE

By Pope St. Germanus I, translated by J.M. Neale

1 A great and mighty wonder,
a full and holy cure!
the Virgin bears the Infant
with virgin-honour pure:

REFRAIN:
Repeat the hymn again:
'To God on high be glory,
and peace on earth to men.'

2 The Word becomes incarnate,
and yet remains on high;
and cherubim sing anthems
to shepherds from the sky: [REFRAIN]

3 While thus they sing your Monarch,
those bright angelic bands,
rejoice, ye vales and mountains,
ye oceans, clap your hands: [REFRAIN]

4 Since all he comes to ransom,
by all be he adored,
the Infant born in Bethl'em,
the Saviour and the Lord: [REFRAIN]