Irenaeus of Lyons · a new plain-English translation from the original language
How Abraham received instruction from the Word. Abraham, then, having come to know the Father through the Word, acknowledged this God as heaven and earth's Fashioner, and was shown, by a likeness foreshadowed, that God's Son would take on manhood among men, and that through His coming his own offspring would multiply like heaven's stars; he yearned to behold that day, so that he too might come to embrace Christ, and beholding it through prophecy's spirit, he was filled with joy. For this reason Simeon too, born of his line, brought the patriarch's joy to fulfillment, declaring: Now, Master, you release your servant in peace, for my eyes have looked upon your deliverance, which you have made ready in the sight of every nation — a beacon for uncovering the Gentiles, and the splendor of your people Israel. The angels likewise proclaimed tidings of great joy to the shepherds keeping their night watch. Mary too declared: My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has found joy in God my Deliverer — Abraham's joy descending upon those sprung from his line, who watched for and beheld Christ and put their trust in Him; and that same joy in turn flowing back from the sons to Abraham, who had yearned to behold the day of Christ's arrival. Fittingly, then, did our Lord testify concerning him, saying: Abraham your father exulted at the hope of seeing my day, and he beheld it and rejoiced.