Sequence 1. Christmas

THE Creator, not by nature
But by might, becomes a creature,
That with glory the Creator
May His creature once more crown.

Presaged in the prophets' pages,
He, Who of no place or age is,
Enters on our life's brief stages.

Not relinquishing His own.
Virgin still, the creature giveth
Birth to Him through Whom she liveth ;
Maiden's womb her spouse conceiveth ;
Daughter's breasts her father feed.

Nature's law no instance knoweth
Of such birth as this one showeth ;
And, since it all law o'erthroweth,
Nature trembles at the deed.

Heaven to earth hath condescended ;
Man is with the Godhead blended,
And the Man-God is attended
By celestial ministry.

That, as priest, is consecrated
Heaven's king, is demonstrated ;
Peace on earth is promulgated,
Glory unto God on high !

Ask'st thou why ? how? this beginneth.
Why ? because mankind first sinneth ;
How? God's just will then combineth
With His grace to break sin's thrall.

O how sweet their blended savour,
Changing into spiced wine's flavour,
When Christ tasted, man to favour.

Bitter vinegar and gall !
O dread mystery, soul-reviving !

When Samaria's son arriving
Sets, for wounds a balm contriving,
On His own beast those that fall !

He, Elisha's true successor,
God-man, counted a transgressor.

To the Shunamite, to bless her,
Hath restored her son again.

As a giant runs He joying,
Who, His shoulder's strength employing,
Bears His sheep. Death's law destroying,
Back to primal joys of men.

As God-man He lives and reigneth,
And lost man from hell restraineth ;
Maa with joy heaven's realms obtaineth,
Filling up its orders ten.

Heaven's Sire's mother, goal of sages !
Pray that Father through all ages,
Tell thy Son to point our stages
To where peace and glory reign ;
Till there, being
Braced, God seeing,
Lift we Alleluia's strain,
Let creation say " Amen ! "