Ambrose (and Luther) for Advent

Savior of the nations, come;

Virgin’s Son, here make Thy home!

Marvel now, O heaven and earth,

That the Lord chose such a birth.

Not by human flesh and blood;

By the Spirit of our God

Was the Word of God made flesh,

Woman’s offspring, pure and fresh.

Wondrous birth! O wondrous Child

Of the virgin undefiled!

Though by all the world disowned,

Still to be in heaven enthroned.

From the Father forth He came

And returneth to the same,

Captive leading death and hell

High the song of triumph swell!

Thou, the Father’s only Son,

Hast over sin the victory won.

Boundless shall Thy kingdom be;

When shall we its glories see?

Brightly doth Thy manger shine,

Glorious is its light divine.

Let not sin o’ercloud this light;

Ever be our faith thus bright.

Praise to God the Father sing,

Praise to God the Son, our King,

Praise to God the Spirit be

Ever and eternally.

-St. Ambrose of Milan (337-397), paraphrased by Martin Luther