From the Rector
Dear friends in Christ,
In my office, I keep a folder filled with reflections on the Nativity—writings from theologians and mystics, both ancient and modern. One of the most moving devotions to the mystery of the Incarnation comes from Saint Ephrem the Syrian, a 4th-century hymn writer and theologian. His hymns, written in Syriac, beautifully face the profound wonder and joy of Christ’s birth.
As we journey further into Christmastide, a season filled with the unceasing proclamation of God’s saving love, I offer this hymn for your personal devotion and reflection. May it deepen your sense of awe and gratitude as we celebrate the mystery of God becoming flesh for our salvation and that of the whole world.
Together with you in the light of Christ~
Fr. Peter
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"Hymn of the Nativity," by Saint Ephrem the Syrian
At the birth of the Son, there came a great clamor in Bethlehem;
for Angels descended and gave praise there.
Their voices were a great thunder;
And along with that voice of praise
the silent ones came and gave praise to the Son.
Blessed be the Babe by whom Adam and Eve were restored to youth!
The shepherds also came, laden with
the best gifts of their flock: sweet milk,
fresh meat, and befitting praise!
Dividing the gifts, they gave to Joseph the meat,
to Mary the milk, and to the Son the praise.
Blessed be the Babe by whom Adam and Eve were restored to youth!
They brought and presented to Him: a suckling lamb
to the Paschal Lamb, a first-born to the First-born,
a sacrifice to the Sacrifice, a lamb of time
to the Lamb of Truth. A fair sight to see
the lamb offered to The Lamb!
Blessed be the Babe by whom Adam and Eve were restored to youth!
The lamb bleated as it was offered
to the First-born. It praised the Lamb,
that had come to set free the flocks and the oxen
from sacrifices1—even the paschal lamb,
who was handed down to serve as a symbol of the Son.
Blessed be the Babe by whom Adam and Eve were restored to youth!
The shepherds came near and worshiped Him.
With their staffs, they saluted Him,
prophesying: “Peace, O Prince
of the Shepherds. The staff of Moses
acknowledges Your staff, O Shepherd of all.”
Blessed be the Babe by whom Adam and Eve were restored to youth!
For Moses acknowledged You
—he whose lambs became wolves, and his flocks
like dragons, and his sheep like
savage beasts. For in the fearful wilderness
his flocks became furious, and attacked him.
Blessed be the Babe by whom Adam and Eve were restored to youth!
You, then, the Shepherds praise,
for You reconciled wolves and lambs
within the fold; O Newborn One,
Who are older than Noah and younger than Noah,
Who reconciled all within the ark amid the billows!
Blessed be the Babe by whom Adam and Eve were restored to youth!
Your father David, for a lamb’s sake
killed a lion. You, O Son of David,
have killed the unseen wolf
that killed Adam, the innocent lamb
who grazed and bleated in Paradise.
Blessed be the Babe by whom Adam and Eve were restored to youth!
At that voice of praise, brides were moved
to hallow themselves, and virgins
to be chaste, and even young girls
were purified: they rose early, and coming
in multitudes, they worshipped the Son.
Blessed be the Babe by whom Adam and Eve were restored to youth!
Aged women of the city of David came
to the daughter of David; they gave thanks and said,
“Blessed be our country, whose streets are made light
with the rays of Jesse! Today is the throne of David
established by You, O Son of David.
Blessed be the Babe by whom Adam and Eve were restored to youth!
The old men cried out, “Blessed be the Babe
Who restored Adam to youth, he who was vexed to see
that he had grown old and wasted away, while the serpent who had killed him,
had shed his skin and had gotten away. Blessed be the Babe
by Whom Eve and Adam and were restored to youth.”
Blessed be the Babe by whom Adam and Eve were restored to youth!
The chaste women said, “O Blessed Fruit,
bless the fruit of our wombs; given to You
as first fruits.” They waxed fervent and prophesied
concerning their children, who, when they were killed for Him,
were to be plucked by Him as first-fruits.
Blessed be the Babe by whom Adam and Eve were restored to youth!
The barren women also hovered over Him, and held Him;
they rejoiced and said, Blessed Fruit
born without marriage, bless the wombs of us that are married;
have mercy on our barrenness,
You wonderful Child of Virginity!
Blessed be the Babe by whom Adam and Eve were restored to youth!
