A Great and Mighty Wonder

A Great and Mighty Wonder is an ancient carol based around the words of St Germanus (c. 634 - 732) traditionally sung to the tune "Es is ein Ros' entspungen" 76 76 676. published in "Al­te Ca­thol­ische Geist­liche Kirch­en­ge­säng" (Köln, Ger­ma­ny: 1599) and harmonised by Michael Praetorius (1571 - 1621). As with much older music, the time signature is not given, but interpretation of the rhythms reveals it works best in 5/2 time.

Lyrics

The words of St Germanus were translated by John Mason Neale (1818 - 1866), who also is responsible for the words to "All Glory, Laud, and Honour", "Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious Battle", "To Thee Before the Close of Day", "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel", "Good Christian Men, Rejoice" and "Good King Wenceslas".

The following lyrics are from available various sources and in the public domain:

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!"

Cyberhymnal gives an additional verse:

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!”

Recordings

• A four verse arrangement suitable for use in Services