Christmas Carols - 24

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!”

St Germanus (634-734) - translated by J M Neale

Tomorrow sees the start of a new series of posts for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Happy Sunday!