What should we offer you, Christ,
on seeing you made man on earth?
Each of your creations
renders thanks;
the angels the hymn;
the skies the star;
the magi the gifts;
the shepherds the wonder;
the earth the grotto;
the wilderness the manger;
and we,
a virgin mother.
hymn by the monk, Anatolios Stouditis, 8th c.
