1Chapter 19 — Three celebrated mysteries.
2Now the virginity of Mary was hidden from the prince of this world, as was also her offspring, and the death of the Lord; three mysteries of renown, which were wrought in silence by God.
3How, then, was He manifested to the world? A star shone forth in heaven above all the other stars, the light of which was inexpressible, while its novelty struck men with astonishment.
4And all the rest of the stars, with the sun and moon, formed a chorus to this star, and its light was exceedingly great above them all.
5And there was agitation felt as to whence this new spectacle came, so unlike to everything else in the heavens.
6Hence every kind of magic was destroyed, and every bond of wickedness disappeared; ignorance was removed, and the old kingdom abolished, God Himself being manifested in human form for the renewal of eternal life.
7And now that took a beginning which had been prepared by God.
8Henceforth all things were in a state of tumult, because He meditated the abolition of death.
9Now the virginity of Mary was hidden from the prince of this world, as was also her offspring, and the death of the Lord; three mysteries of renown, which were wrought in silence, but have been revealed to us.
10A star shone forth in heaven above all that were before it, and its light was inexpressible, while its novelty struck men with astonishment.
11And all the rest of the stars, with the sun and moon, formed a chorus to this star.
12It far exceeded them all in brightness, and agitation was felt as to whence this new spectacle proceeded.
13Hence worldly wisdom became folly; conjuration was seen to be mere trifling; and magic became utterly ridiculous.
14Every law of wickedness vanished away; the darkness of ignorance was dispersed; and tyrannical authority was destroyed, God being manifested as a man, and man displaying power as God.
15But neither was the former a mere imagination, nor did the second imply a bare humanity; but the one was absolutely true, and the other an economical arrangement.
16Now that received a beginning which was perfected by God.
17Henceforth all things were in a state of tumult, because He meditated the abolition of death.