Hymns of the Greek Church

tr. Brownlie, 1900

Chapter 7

ὁ οὐρανὸς καὶ ἡ γῆ σήμερον προφητικῶς εὐφραινέσθωσαν

(Στιχηρὰ Ἰδιόμελα)

In the bliss of old predicted,
Heaven and earth to-day rejoice;
Men and angels, one in spirit,
Shout aloud in gleeful voice;
For, to those in darkness drear,
God in human flesh is near.

Cave and manger show the mystery;
Shepherds tell the wondrous tale;
Bearing gifts to lay before Him
From the East the Magi hail;
Taught by angel words to sing,
We unworthy praises bring.

Glory be to God eternal!
Peace on earth its reign begin!
For the one Desire of nations
Comes to save us from our sin;
Freedom He will now bestow
From the bondage of the foe.