Part 2 (2/2)

Lowly the shepherds bow, Have we no gift to bring?

Our wors.h.i.+p, lo, we yield to Thee, All that we are, and hope to be-- This is our offering.

{ho ouranos kai he ge semeron prophetikos euphrainesthosan}

({Stichera Idiomela})

I

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, G.o.d in human flesh is near.

II

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.

III

Glory be to G.o.d 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.

{Doxa en hypsistois theo}

By St. John of Damascus, 780 A.D.

I

Bethlehem rejoices, Hark the voices clear, Singing in the starlight Nearer and more near.

Unto G.o.d be glory, Peace to men be given, This His will who dwelleth In the heights of heaven.

II

Heaven can not contain Him, Nor the bounds of earth, Yet, O Glorious Mystery!

Virgin gives Him birth.

Unto G.o.d be glory, Peace to men be given, This His will who dwelleth In the heights of heaven.

III

Now the light ariseth In the darkened skies, Now the proud are humbled And the lowly rise.

Unto G.o.d be glory, Peace to men be given, This His will who dwelleth In the heights of heaven.

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