Wondrous Incarnation

Today in Bethlehem hear I

Sweet angel voices singing;

All glory be to God on high,

Who peace on earth is bringing.

 

The Virgin Mary holdeth more

Than highest heaven most holy;

Light shines on what was dark before,

And lifteth up the lowly.

 

God wills that peace shall be on earth,

And holy exultation:

Sweet Babe, I greet Thy spotless birth

And wondrous Incarnation.

 

Today in Bethlehem hear I

Even the lowly singing:

With angel-words they pierce the sky;

All earth with joy is ringing.

-from the Greek of John of Damascus, d. 754 A.D.