The great forerunner of the morn, the herald of the Word, is born; and faithful hearts shall never fail with thanks and praise his light to hail. With heavenly message Gabriel came, that John should be the herald's name, and with prophetic utterance told his actions great and manifold. John, still unborn, yet gave aright his witness to the coming light; and Christ, the Sun of all the earth, fulfilled that witness at his birth. Of woman born shall never be a greater prophet than was he, whose mighty deeds exalt his fame to greater than a prophet's name. All praise to God the Father be, all praise, eternal Son, to thee, whom with the Spirit we adore for ever and for evermore.