Ode 8. The Irmos.

Iambic. The Irmos.

‘The furnace moist with dew was the image and the figure of a wonder past nature; for it did not burn those it had received; even as the fire of the godhead did not consume the Virgin’s womb into which it has descended. Therefore in praise let us sing: Let all creation bless the Lord, and highly exalt him to all the ages’.

Self emptied; fears to bring a prayer despised;

The daughter of Babylon once dragged to herself from Sion David’s children, taken by the spear; now she sends her children, Magi taking gifts, to entreat David’s daughter, who received God. Therefore in praise let us sing: Let all creation bless the Lord, and highly exalt him to all the ages.

Sorrow silenced the instruments of song, for Sion’s children did not sing among strangers; but Christ, shining forth from Bethlehem, abolishes all the error of Babylon and the harmony of her musicians. Therefore in praise let us sing: Let all creation bless the Lord, and highly exalt him to all the ages.

Babylon received the spoils of Sion the Queen and her wealth taken by the spear; Christ in Sion draws with a guiding star her treasures, Magi who scanned the stars. Therefore in praise let us sing: Let all creation bless the Lord, and highly exalt him to all the ages.

‘The young men of the old covenant, walking in the fire

‘Unburned are figures of the sealed womb of the Maiden,

‘When she gave birth in fashion past nature;

‘The same grace it was worked both by one wondrous power,

‘And raises the people to sing in praise’.

Fleeing the outrage of becoming God

By error, all creation like the youths

With trembling hymns the everlasting Word

Subject to change, by wisdom though endures.

The nations Rising, you have come to turn

Back human nature from the desert hills

To pasture rich in flowers. Now destroy

The violent force of mortals’ murderer,

By providence now seen as God and man.