Ode 5. The Irmos.

’Isaias, as he watched by night, saw the light that knows no evening, the light, O Christ, of your Theophany that came to pass through your compassion for us, and he cried aloud: The dead will arise, and those in the graves will be raised, and all those born of earth will rejoice’. (**Twice**)

The shining Angel, clearly indicating the dazzling radiance of joy, is revealed in the tomb proclaiming Resurrection to the women; and they, setting sorrow aside, rejoiced, for Christ had risen, and they announced to the Apostles the message: Rejoice!

As we assemble today, let us with faith honour the firstfruit of the Fathers, as founder of both Law and Grace, the Patriarch Abraham; for as a Prophet of God he foretold Christ from a Virgin, and he advances to meet his divine Nativity.

Abraham’s Children, clearly foreshadowing the Lord’s coming to us, through the presence of an Angel quenched the furnace and made the fire a fine mist of dew, and thus by faith they melted down the glory of the golden image.

By the Spirit Daniel stopped the mouths of wild beasts in the den; by grace the Children of Abraham quenched the strength of the fire, and saved from destruction they foretell Christ from a Virgin, begging him, as Redeemer, for our salvation.

Showing by the Spirit of God your passionless acquisition of our nature, O Lord, Isaias cried aloud, as he watched for the Law of grace: A Virgin is coming to give birth without seed to one according to the flesh of Abraham’s race, but of the tribe of Juda.

Of the Forefeast. As you are God of peace.

By nature the Master, you are found with slaves. All-perfect Son of God, you were well-pleased to be called Son of Man, All-merciful; and so you willingly became a beggar and are coming to be born in the Cave, O supremely Good.

Christ our King, by nature uncontainable, how will a little cave receive you? How will a manger, Jesu, be able to contain you? From a Mother who has not known man you come in flesh, Lord, to your own that you may save those who have been banished.

The Ewe-lamb has come forth to bear the Shepherd. Holy Cave, prepare. Shepherds, hasten to behold the Lamb and Shepherd who has been born. Magi with gifts prepare to worship him in the flesh as King.

As you are God of peace and Father of mercies, you have sent us your Angel of great counsel, who grants us peace: so we are guided to the knowledge of God, watching before dawn we glorify you, only lover of mankind.

Of the Ancestors.