An ancient Christmas carol you may have never heard

Last updated on: December 7, 2013 at 5:12 pm by Joel J. Miller

An ancient Christmas carol you may have never heard 2013-12-07T17:12:03-06:00 Joel J. Miller

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Most of us are familiar with Christmas carols like “Silent Night,” “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” and “Once in Royal David’s City.” Though these hymns are old and venerable, they are rather new compared to others. The church has been writing hymns since its inception, and that includes hymns to commemorate the Lord’s Nativity. Here is an example, chanted in Arabic by Nader Hajjar.

I don’t know exactly how old it is, but there’s a reference at the end linking Christmas to Theophany (same as Epiphany), which in the East marks Christ’s baptism. Fifteen hundred years ago (or so) these two events, Christmas and Theophany, were celebrated on the same festal day. To see them linked in song likely means this number is quite ancient.

Here are the lyrics:

Today is born of a virgin
He who holds the whole creation in His hand (3x)

He whose essence none can touch
is bound own swaddling clothes as a Child

God who in the beginning established the heavens
lies in the a manger

He who rained manna on His people in the wilderness
is fed on milk from His mother’s breasts

The Bridegroom of the Church summons the wise men
The Son of the Virgin accepts their gifts

We worship Thy birth, O Christ (3x)

Show us also Thy Divine Theophany

Many thanks to Metropolitan Savas Zembillas of Pittsburgh for sharing.

Previous Post

December 29, 2012

Despite dangers, Middle East Christians express hope

Next Post

December 31, 2012 Best novel of 2012? Doug Wilson's 'Evangellyfish'

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Books Church Life Family Life Misc Prayer Quotes Society Spiritual Growth Theology Uncategorized Video

Select a Month April 2014 March 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 November 2008 October 2008 July 2008 June 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008 August 2007 June 2007 October 2002 July 2002 November 1999 October 1999

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Who lost his strength when his hair was cut?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Absalom David Samson Elijah