The feast day of your birth resembles you, Lord

Because it brings joy to all humanity

Old people and infants alike enjoy your day

Your day is celebrated from generation to generation

Kings and emperors may pass away

And the festivals to commemorate them soon lapse

But your festival will be remembered till the end of time

You gave us so many gifts on your birthday

A treasure chest of spiritual medicines for the sick

Spiritual light for those who are blind

The cup of salvation for the thirsty

The bread of life for the hungry

In the winter when trees are bare

You give us the most succulent spiritual fruit

In the frost when the earth is barren

You bring new hope to our souls

In December when seeds are hidden in the soil

The staff of life springs forth from the virgin womb.

St. Ephrem the Syrian, c. 306-378, hymn writer and theologian

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And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest,

    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”