At the Aposticha, Idiomel Stichera.

By Germanos. Tone 2.

A great and mighty wonder has been accomplished today! A Virgin gives birth and her womb suffers no corruption; the Word takes flesh and is not separated from the Father. Angels with Shepherds give glory, and we cry out with them, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth!’

The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet’.

Today the Virgin gives birth to the Maker of all. Eden offers a cave and a star reveals Christ, the Sun, to those in darkness. Enlightened by faith, the Magi worship with gifts, and Shepherds see the wonder, while Angels sing in praise and say, ‘Glory to God in the highest!’

From the womb before the morning star I have begotten you. ****

The same. By Anatolios.

When the Lord Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, Magi came from the East and worshipped God become man. Eagerly opening their treasures, they offered precious gifts, refined gold, as to the King of the ages, and incense, as to the God of all things; while as to one dead for three days, myrrh to the Immortal. Come all you nations, let us worship the One who was born to save our souls.

By Monk John.**

Jerusalem be glad and all you who love Sion keep festival. Today the ancient bond of Adam’s condemnation has been loosed; Paradise has been opened for us and the serpent vanquished, for he now sees that the one he trampled on of old has become the Mother of the Creator. O the depth of the riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God! The one who was the cause of death for all flesh, the instrument of sin, has, through the Mother of God, become the source of salvation for all the world. For a child, is born from her, the All-perfect God, and through his birth he seals her Virginity, loosing the bonds of sins through swaddling clothes; and through his becoming a child, he heals the pangs of Eve in childbirth. Therefore let all creation dance and leap for joy, for Christ has come to call it back and to save our souls.

By Anatolios.**

Your made you dwelling in a cave, Christ our God, a manger received you, while Shepherds and Magi worshipped you. Then was the proclamation of the Prophets fulfilled; and the Angelic Powers marvelled, as they cried out and said, ‘Glory to your condescension, only lover of humankind!’

Apolytikion. Tone 4.

Your Nativity, Christ our God, has made the light of knowledge dawn on the world, for by it those who adored the stars were taught by a star to worship you, the Sun of justice, and to know you the Dayspring from on high. Lord, glory to you!