Gibbons, Orlando: See, see, the Word is incarnate


See, see, the Word is incarnate

See, see, the word is incarnate; God is made man in the womb of a Virgin. Shepherds rejoice, wise men adore, and angels sing: Glory be to God on high: peace on earth, good will towards men.
The Law is cancelled, Jews and Gentiles all converted by the preaching of glad tidings of salvation. The blind have sight and cripples have their motion; diseases cured, the dead are raised, and miracles are wrought.
Let us welcome such a guest with Hosanna.
The Paschal Lamb is offered, Christ Jesus made a sacrifice for sin. The earth quakes, the sun is darkened, the powers of hell are shaken; and lo, he is risen up in victory. Sing Alleluia.
See, O see the fresh wounds, the goring blood, the pricks of thorns, the print of nails; and in the sight of multitudes a glorious ascension.
Where now he sits on God’s right hand, where all the choir of heaven all jointly sing: Glory be to the Lamb that sitteth on the throne. Let us continue our wonted note with Hosanna: Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord; with Alleluia, we triumph in victory, the serpent’s head bruised, Christ’s kingdom exalted, and heaven laid open to sinners. Amen.

Words: Bishop Godfrey Goodman (1582/3–1656)
Music: Orlando Gibbons (1583–1625)