Heaven and earth are united today, for Christ is born.
Today has God come upon earth, and man gone up to heaven.
Today for man’s sake is seen in the flesh He who by nature is invisible.
Therefore let us also give glory and cry aloud to Him:
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,
Which Your coming has bestowed upon us, O Saviour: glory to You.— Stichera for the Litia, Tone 1, (by John the Monk) — sung at the Vigil on the Nativity According to the Flesh of our Lord, God and Saviour, Jesus Christ.