Bethlehem has opened Eden.

Bethlehem has opened Eden. Come, let us see!

We have found joy in a secret place.

Come, let us seize Paradise hidden in the cave!

There the unwatered Root has appeared,

 blossoming with forgiveness.

There is found the undug Well,

 from which David longed to drink of old.

There the Virgin has borne a child, 

 quenching Adam’s and David’s thirst.

Let us hurry to this place,

 (Oikos ending:)

where the eternal God was born as a little Child!

(Hymn from festal Matins)

Fr. John