Whilst deep silence dwelt on all below, and the night was in the midst of its course, the Almighty Word came down from His throne, alleluia.

(Wisdom 18:14-15)

3 “I came forth from the mouth of the Most High, and covered the earth like a mist.
4 I dwelt in high places, and my throne was in a pillar of cloud.
5 Alone I have made the circuit of the vault of heaven and have walked in the depths of the abyss.
6 In the waves of the sea, in the whole earth, and in every people and nation I have gotten a possession.
Refrain

7 “Among all these I sought a resting place; I sought in whose territory I might lodge.
And the Creator of all things said, ‘Make your dwelling in Jacob, and in Israel receive your inheritance.’
10 In the holy tabernacle I ministered before him, and so I was established in Zion.
11 In the beloved city likewise he gave me a resting place, and in Jerusalem was my dominion.”
Refrain

12 “So I took root in an honored people, in the portion of the Lord, who is their inheritance.
13 I grew tall like a cedar in Lebanon, and like a cypress on the heights of Hermon.
16 Like a terebinth I spread out my branches, and my branches are glorious and graceful.
17 Like a vine I caused loveliness to bud, and my blossoms became glorious and abundant fruit.”
Refrain

30 “I went forth like a canal from a river and like a water channel into a garden.
32 I will again make instruction shine forth like the dawn, and I will make it shine afar;
33 I will again pour out teaching like prophecy, and leave it to all future generations.
34 Observe that I have not labored for myself alone, but for all who seek instruction.”

(Sirach 24)