THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD AND GOD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST

Troparion    Tone 4
Thy Nativity, O Christ our God,/ has shone to the world as the light of wisdom./ For by it those who worshipped the stars/ were taught by a star to adore Thee,/ the Sun of Righteousness,/ and to know Thee, the Orient from on high./ O Lord, glory to Thee.

Kontakion    Tone 3
Today the Virgin gives birth to the Transcendent One,/ and the earth offers a cave to the Unapproachable One./ Angels with Shepherds glorify Him,/ the wise men journey with the star;/ since for our sake the eternal God was born as a little child.

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On the Night of Nativity

St. Ephraim the Syrian

Pure is the present night, in which the Pure One appeared, Who came to purify us! 

Let our hearing be pure, and the sight of our eyes chaste, and the feeling of the heart holy, and the speech of the mouth sincere! 

The present night is the night of reconciliation; therefore, let no one be wroth against his brother and offend him! 

This night gave peace to the whole world, and so, let no one threaten. This is the night of the Most Meek One; let no one be cruel! 

This is the night of the Humble One; let no one be proud! 

Now is the day of joy; let us not take revenge for offences!

Now is the day of good will; let us not be harsh. On this day of tranquility, let us not become agitated by anger! 

Today God came unto sinners; let not the righteous exalt himself over sinners! 

Today the Most Rich One became poor for our sake; let the rich man invite the poor to his table! 

Today we received a gift which we did not ask for; let us bestow alms to those who cry out to us and beg! 

The present day has opened the door of heaven to our prayers; let us also open our door to those who ask of us forgiveness! 

Today the Godhead placed upon Himself the seal of humanity, and humanity has been adorned with the seal of the Godhead! 

From Children of the Church Vol I, Is I