Light from East and West

Kontakion for December 24 from the Eastern Liturgy

On this day the Virgin
cometh to a cave to give birth to God the
Word ineffable, Who was before all the ages.
Dance for joy, O earth, on hearing the
gladsome tidings; with the Angels and the
shepherds now glorify Him Who is willing to
be gazed on as a young Child Who before the
ages is God.

Corde Natus ex Parentis (Aurelius Prudentius, ca. 413) from the Western Liturgy

Oh, that birth forever blessed
When the Virgin, full of grace,
By the Holy Ghost conceiving
Bare the Savior of our race.
And the Babe, the world's Redeemer,
First revealed His sacred face
Evermore and evermore.

O ye heights of heaven, adore Him!
Angel hosts, His praises sing!
Powers, dominions, bow before Him
And extol your God and King!
Let no tongue on earth be silent;
Every voice in concert ring
Evermore and evermore.

Christ, to Thee, with God the Father,
And, O Holy Ghost, to Thee,
Hymn and chant and high thanksgiving
And unending praises be,
Honor, glory, and dominion
And eternal victory
Evermore and evermore.