The Byzantine Christmas Hymn “Today the Virgin gives birth to him who is beyond substance” by Romanos Melodos (The first three stanzas). Available also in the Greek original.
—
Today the Virgin gives birth to him who is beyond substance;
and the earth offers a cave to him who is unapproachable.
Angels with shepherds give praise,
and by a star the Wise Men make their way;
for unto us is born
a little child, God of all time.
Bethlehem has opened the gates of Eden; come, let us see.
In a secret place we have found delight; come, let us partake
of paradise within the cave.
In it has appeared a root never watered, blossoming forth forgiveness;
in it has been found a well never dug,
a well from which David once longed to drink.
In it a virgin has given birth to a child,
and at once has brought to an end the thirst of Adam and of David.
Therefore, let us hasten to the place where has been born
a little child, God of all time.
