Irmos: I rise early unto Thee, O Word of God, Who, in Thy loving-kindness, didst immutably debase Thyself and didst dispassionately subject Thyself to sufferings. Grant peace unto me who have fallen, O Thou Who lovest mankind.
Kontakion of the forefeast, in Tone III: Spec. Mel.: “Today the Virgin…”—
Having cleansed our thoughts and purified ourselves beforehand by partaking of the mysteries of the awesome dispensation, let us go up to the city of Bethlehem in body and soul, to behold the Master Who is born.
Behold, and fear not, O friends, for mad Herod rageth in vain, seeking to slay the new-born Creator. Yet as He Who hath dominion over life and death, He liveth and saveth the world, in that He loveth mankind.
Lord, have mercy! Thrice Glory…, Now & ever…—
Today the Virgin cometh to give birth ineffably to the preëternal Word in the cave. Dance, O world! And having heard this, with the angels and shepherds glorify the preëternal God, Who is to appear as a little babe.
Translated by Isaac Lambertsen. Edition menaion.en.lambertsen.