Irmos: Jonah was swallowed, but was not held fast in the belly of the monster; for, serving as an image of Thee, Who wast born, appearing in the flesh, he issued forth from the whale as from a bridal chamber. For, born now in the flesh, it hath been Thy desire to enter the tomb and death, and to rise again on the third day!
Kontakion of the forefeast, in Tone III: Spec. Mel.: “Today the Virgin…”—
The middle-wall of ancient enmity hath now been broken down and destroyed by Thine advent in the flesh, O Christ, and the flaming sword withdraweth from all. And I partake with faith of the life-bearing tree of Eden, and am straightway shown to be a husbandman of the gardens of immortality.
Hell reigned with sin from the time of Adam down to Thee; yet their shameless tyranny perished when Thou wast born of the tribe of David, O Deliverer, manifestly taking Thy seat upon the throne of his kingdom, and reigning forever.
The cruel Herod showed himself to be a slayer of infants but not a slayer of Christ; for even though he reaped a bitter harvest of children, as though they were stalks, yet was he unable to seize and slay the Grain of life; for as the Bestower of life, Thou didst as God conceal Thyself from the persecutor by divine power.
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.