In
the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
This is the day that gladdened them, the Prophets, Kings, and Priests, for in it were their words fulfilled, and thus were the whole of them indeed performed! For the Virgin this day brought forth Immanuel in Bethlehem. The voice that of old Isaiah spake, to-day became reality. He was born there who in writing should tell the Gentiles’ number! The Psalm that David once sang, by its fulfilment came to-day! The word that Micah once spake, to-day was come indeed to pass! For there came from Ephrata a Shepherd, and His staff swayed over souls. Lo! from Jacob shone the Star, and from Israel rose the Head. The prophecy that Balaam spake had its interpreting to-day! Down also came the hidden Light, and from the Body rose His beauty! The light that spake in [Zechariah], to-day shined in Bethlehem!1
Thus
St. Ephrem the Syrian began his hymn on the Nativity of our Lord.
Indeed, let us rejoice and be glad in it, for this is the day which
the Lord has made! Let us rejoice, for this is the day of our Lord's
birth according to the flesh. On this day, earth shall ring with the
words of the prophets and apostles, because the Word of the Lord has
stepped forth from His holy throne in the womb of the Blessed Virgin
Mary.
