Aposticha. Both now.

Joseph, tell us: how are you bringing the Maiden you received from the Holy Place, to Bethlehem great with child? [6] ‘I, he said, having searched the Prophets and been told by an Angel, [7] am assured that Mary will give birth to God in a way past explanation; to worship him Magi will come from the East, adoring him with precious gifts.’ Lord, incarnate for our sake, glory to you!

Lauds. Both now.

Bethlehem welcome the Mother City of God [8] ; for she has come to give birth in you to the light that never sets. [9] You Angels, marvel in heaven; humans give glory on earth; Magi from Persia bring your triply glorious gift; Shepherds abiding in the fields [10] sing the thrice-holy hymn. Let everything that has breath praise the Maker of all.

Tone 2. By Kyprianos.

See, the time of salvation is at hand; Cave prepare, the Virgin draws near to give birth. Bethlehem, land of Juda, [28] rejoice and be glad, for our Lord has dawned from you. Hearken, mountains and hills, and the countries around Judea; for Christ is coming to save mankind whom he fashioned, for he loves humankind.

Verse: God comes from Theman, and the Holy One from a shady wooded Mountain.

Bethlehem, land of Juda, city according to the flesh, radiantly make ready the divine Cave, in which God comes to birth in flesh from a Holy Virgin who knows not man, to save our race.

By Andrew Pyros. Same Tone.

Come, let us all faithfully celebrate the forefeast of Christ’s Nativity; and spiritually setting forth our hymn like a star, let us with the Shepherds shout aloud the Magis’ hymn of glory, ‘The salvation of mortals has come from a virgin womb, to call back believers’.

Verse: Lord, I heard your report, and I was afraid.

O house of Ephratha, the holy City, the glory of the Prophets, make ready the house in which the Divine comes to birth.

By Kyprianos. Model Melody.

See, the time of our salvation…

Both now. Tone 2. By Kyprianos. See Sunday before Christmas. [58]

Bethlehem prepare; Eden is opened for all. Make ready Ephratha, because the tree of life [59] has flowered in the Cave from the Virgin. For her womb has been revealed as the spiritual Paradise in which is the plant of life; eating from it we shall live; we shall not die like Adam. Christ is born to raise up his image [60] which had fallen.

Apolytikion of the Forefeast. Tone 4. Joseph was amazed.