Song Meaning
This ancient Latin text, "Mirabile mysterium," immediately declares a wondrous mystery revealed today. The core of this revelation is a profound transformation in nature, where God himself has become human. It’s a statement of divine incarnation, a concept that reorders the very fabric of existence as understood by the faithful.
The central tension lies in the seemingly paradoxical nature of this event. The lyrics assert that what God *was*, He *remained*, yet simultaneously, He *assumed* what He *was not*. This isn't a simple exchange or a loss of divine essence; rather, it suggests an addition, a taking on of humanity without diminishing His eternal nature. The phrasing emphasizes a preservation of His original being alongside the assumption of a new one.
The most striking aspect of the craft here is the precise theological language used to articulate the ineffable. Phrases like "Non commixtionem passus neque divisionem" (suffering neither confusion nor division) are crucial. They are not merely descriptive but are designed to preemptively address potential heresies or misunderstandings about the nature of Christ's dual existence – fully divine and fully human. This careful wording aims to preserve the integrity of both natures within the single divine person.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their bold, declarative pronouncements on a foundational tenet of faith. By stating the mystery plainly and then immediately clarifying its non-conflicting nature, the text aims to inspire awe and intellectual assent. It’s a concise, powerful articulation of a concept that is both deeply mysterious and central to Christian belief.