Therefore we own with grateful hearts The joy the Saviour brought us, Who came to earth, and in our sins With love and pity sought us. {Deute agalliasometha to kyrio} ({Stichera Idiomela}) I O come let us adore The Lord of all the earth, And in our songs of praise recount The mystery of His birth. II The middle wall is razed, An entrance now is free; For cherubim with sword of flame No longer guard the tree. III O Paradise restored! Now I shall enter in, And taste the bliss from which I fell Through Adam's mortal sin,-- IV For Christ, the Father's Son, Who God's true image bore, Of Virgin born, in low estate Our human nature wore. V True God! True Man! to Thee Our earnest prayers ascend; O, of Thy loving-kindness hear, Who art the Sinners' Friend. {Christos gennatai} By St. Cosmas, 760 A.D. {ho Heirmos} I Christ is born, go forth to meet Him, Christ by all the heaven adored; Singing songs of welcome, greet Him, For the earth receives her Lord. All ye nations shout and sing; For He comes, your glorious King. {troparion} II Once His heavenly image bearing, Man has sunk to depths of sin; Now defiled, debased, despairing, Clad in rags and foul within; But our God, who beauty gave, Lifts the soul He comes to save. III From the height of heaven beholding, Pity filled the heart of grace, And our Lord, His love unfolding, Made the earth His dwelling-place; And a virgin mother gave God Incarnate, man to save. IV Wisdom, Might, and Word Eternal, Glory of the Father, Thou! Hid from man and powers supernal, Lo, He wears our nature now! To the Lord your worship bring, Praise Him, your victorious King. {ti soi prosenenkomen, Christe} By St. Anatolius, died 458 A.D. I What shall we bring to Thee? What shall our offering be On this Thy natal morn? For Thou, O Christ, hast come to earth-- A virgin mother gave Thee birth-- For our redemption born. II The whole creation broad Gives praise and thanks to God, Who gave His only Son; And list! the bright angelic throng Their homage yield in sweetest song For peace on earth begun.