Of the Maid in Bethlehem

For Christmas
At the First Hour of the Night
Immediately before The Great Doxology and Dismissal.

Words: A Hymn of John the Monk, 8^th Century,
from the "Office for Christmas Day," άχολονθια τής Χρίστον γεννήσεως, The First Hour
Translation by Richard F. Littledale

Music: Second Tone

Source: Richard Frederick Littledale, ed., Offices From The Service Books of the Holy Eastern Church (London: Williams and Norgate, 1863), Office of Christmas Day - St Cosmas, pp. 207-208.

Of the Maid in Bethlehem
Born to-day is Christ the Lord,
To-day begins the Unbeginning,
To-day incarnate is the Word.

The Heavenly Powers rejoice
And earth with men as well,
The Magi bring their gifts,
The wonder Shepherds tell,
And we with voice unceasing cry:
"Glory be to God on high,
On earth be peace, among men be goodwill."

Note:

Compare: Begins the Unbeginning, Good News To-Day Is Heard by W. Chatterton Dix.

See: Office of Christmas Day - St Cosmas - Richard Frederick Littledale, Offices From The Service Books of the Holy Eastern Church (1863).

See generally: Christmas-tide Hymns from the Eastern Churches.

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