The Cedar of Lebanon (EN 296)

1

The Cedar of Lebanon, plant of renown,

Hath bowed to the hyssop his wide spreading crown:

The Son of the Highest, an Infant, is laid

On the breast of His mother, that lowliest maid.

All glory to God in the highest we sing,

And peace upon earth through the newly born King.

2

From Star of the Sea the glad sunlight hath shined;

Springs the Lion of Judah from Naphtali’s hind;

The life from the dying, the rose from the thorn:

The Maker of all things of maiden is born.

3

The manger of Bethlehem opens once more

The gates of that Eden where man dwelt of yore,

And He who is lying, a Child, in the cave,

Hath conquered the foeman, hath ransomed the salve.

4

In midst of the Garden the tree of life stands,

And offers His twelve fruits to lips and to hands,

The Lord of Salvation, the Gentiles’ desire,

Hath ta’en from the cherubs their sword-blade of fire.

5

On hole of the aspic the sucking Child plays,

And His hand on the den of the cockatrice lays;

The Dragon, which over a fallen world reigned,

By the seed of the woman is vanquished and chained.

6

To Him who hath loved us, and sent us His Son,

To Him who the victory for us hath won,

To Him who sheds on us His sevenfold rays,

Be honor and glory, salvation and praise.