Akathist Hymn to the Nativity of Christ Kontakion I Oh Christ our God-You chose the most pure Virgin from all generations and were born of her as a baby. We sing songs of thanks to You. You are full of loving-kindness, please free us from all things as we sing: Oh Jesus, Son of God, who became man for us, Glory to You! Ikos I All the angels came to Bethlehem to see the Nativity, and when they saw their Creator laying in the manger, they were filled with amazement. They honored the godliness of Him who was born and of her who bore Him, and sang these things: Glory to You! Oh Son of God, who was made by Father before time began! Glory to You! Who with the Father and the Spirit created all things! Glory to You! Who came to save those who were lost! Glory to You! Who wasn't ashamed to assume the form of a servant! Glory to You! Who was born of a virgin! Glory to You! Who broke through the wall of separation! Glory to You! Who has opened paradise that was shut by disobedience! Glory to You! Who loves all people! Glory to You! You made the cave of the Nativity heaven on earth! Glory to You! You have shown us the Virgin, who gave birth to You, to be the throne of the angels! Oh Jesus, Son of God, who became a man for us, Glory to You! Kontakion II When they saw that their Master had been born from the pure Virgin, the angels were all filled with amazement and said to each other: “This is a wonderful mystery past our understanding!” They sang: Alleluia! Ikos II All of creation is filled with awe and we sing our thanks of the mystery of Your Nativity, Oh Christ! All of heaven rejoices and sings: “Glory to God in the highest!”. Earth and Men are full of gladness and we sing out: Glory to You! Oh God, who is glorified in the highest! Glory to You! Who revealed Yourself to us on earth! Glory to You! Who has come back to be with us! Glory to You! Who was made a man through the Virgin! Glory to You! Who made the star shine! Glory to You! Who called the Magi to worship You! Glory to You! Who mercifully accepted their gifts! Glory to You! Who has taught all creation to worship You! Glory to You! Who has given understanding so we can sing to You! Glory to You! Who united Yourself with us! Glory to You! You have saved us! Oh Jesus, Son of God who became man for us, Glory to You!

Kontakion III The God of peace and Father of compassion, who is mighty in strength, came to earth to save the world! In Bethlehem He is now born as a baby of the Virgin, who He has shown to be a Mother and a Mediator for salvation for all who glorify Him becoming man and who shout: Alleluia! Ikos III Mary, who gave You birth prays always for us, rejoicing! We sing the mystery of You becoming man, Oh Christ, and to glorify Your nativity from the God pleasing Virgin we sing: Glory to You! Oh Son of God! Glory to You! Oh Son of the Virgin! Glory to You! Who has shown the depths of Your love for us! Glory to You! Who has looked for Your lost sheep! Glory to You! Who told the angels to rejoice that they found You! Glory to You! Who has taken everything on Your shoulders! Glory to You! Who has led us to the Father! Glory to You! Who has united men and angels together! Glory to You! Who has delivered the world from things it doesn't understand! Glory to You! Who has shown us great mercy! Glory to You! Who loves us more than all creatures! Oh Jesus, Son of God, who became man for us, Glory to You! Kontakion IV The pure-minded Joseph, who had doubted all these things, now sees wonderful things within the cave of the Nativity. Even though he sees the child Christ who was born of the Virgin, he did not understand until now that this child is the true God. When he does, he sings with joy: Alleluia! Ikos IV The shepherds heard an angel telling them that the Savior of the world was born in the city of David. They ran swiftly and they saw Him laying in the manger, like a tiny lamb that had been tended carefully. Mary was caring for him, and Joseph standing by. They told them all they had been told, and they bowed down before the newborn Jesus and sang: Glory to You! Oh Lamb of God, Savior of the world! Glory to You! Oh Son of God who has shown us a miracle! Glory to You! Who has let us hear the songs of angels! Glory to You! Who has taught us to sing with them! Glory to You! Who has brought men and angels together to sing to You! Glory to You! Who has brought joy to heaven and earth! Glory to You! Because of You, people and angels are united! Glory to You! Who has shown the power of the devil to be nothing! Glory to You! Who has freed us from him! Glory to You! Oh joy of those who believe in You! Glory to You! Those who love You delight in You! Oh Jesus, Son of God, who became man for us, Glory to You!

Kontakion V The Magi saw the star that pointed to the nativity of Christ, and they followed it until they found Jesus. He who had been unapproachable and invisible became man! They rejoiced, singing to him: “Alleluia!” Ikos V The Persian kings saw the King of Kings laying in the arms of His Mother, and it was like seeing Him on a throne of angels! They knew he was the Master even though He was in the form of a servant, and offered him gifts. Gold: as to the King of all, frankincense: as to God, and myrrh: as to One who is immortal, and they sang: Glory to You! Who has shone light on us all! Glory to You! Who brought us here by a star to worship You! Glory to You! Who did bring out the hatred of Herod! Glory to You! Who showed Herod's plotting to be nothing! Glory to You! Who have brought us out of his lies! Glory to You! Who has taught us to worship You, the Sun of righteousness! Glory to You! Who has taught us all with the light of understanding! Glory to You! Who has done away with the idea of many gods by Your birth! Glory to You! Who has ended the power of the devil! Glory to You! Who has taught us to worship with You with the Father and the Spirit! Glory to You! Who has crushed the head of the snake who tricked us! Glory to You! Who delivered us from death! Oh Jesus, Son of God, Who became man for us, Glory to You! Kontakion VI You fulfilled the prophecies about You, which were said by godly people. You have come down to earth, O Savior, and have been born in a lowly cave. Though You were rich, You became poor for our sakes so that you might help us. We sing to you with faith: Alleluia! Ikos VI You came from the Virgin, Oh Jesus, shining like the sun and pushing away the darkness of fake things. All the demons were afraid and couldn't stand Your power, and the devil was full of terror. We sing out our thanks to You: Glory to You! Oh Savior of men! Glory to You! Oh Destroyer of demons! Glory to You! Who filled the prince of lies with dread by Your birth! Glory to You! Who has done away with the idea of many gods! Glory to You! Who has brightened all of the light with the knowledge of God! Glory to You! Who has driven away the darkness of ignorance! Glory to You! Oh Rock, who has poured the water of salvation on all of us! Glory to You! Who has given water to the thirst of Adam and David! Glory to You! Who, like the sun, has brightened all by Your birth! Glory to You! Who has made the whole world glow with beams of grace! Glory to You! Who showed us the promised land! Glory to You! Who has delivered us from the curse of all people! Oh Jesus, Son of God, who became man for us, Glory to You!

Kontakion VII You wanted to show us the mystery that has been hidden as long as there has been time, and You've shown it to all of Your creation! Oh Jesus, You've shown yourself to Gabriel from the angels, to the Virgin from among men, to the star in the heaven, and from earth in a cave where You were born. We are amazed at your wisdom and sing to you: Alleluia! Ikos VII The Creator of all showed a new thing: Himself as a man, coming from a pure womb, which He had preserved. Becoming man was the way He could allow our salvation for all of us who sing: Glory to You! Oh Son of God, who has shown her who gave birth to You to be a Mother of loving-kindness! Glory to You! Who kept her a virgin after she gave birth! Glory to You! Who came to save Adam! Glory to You! Who has comforted Eve! Glory to You! Who came to save all of us! Glory to You! Who shows us what resurrection will be like! Glory to You! Who has given us a guide of humility! Glory to You! Who became poor for our sake! Glory to You! Who put the clothes of grace on us! Glory to You! Who has delighted us in Your love! Oh Jesus, Son of God, who became man for us, Glory to You! Kontakion VIII Since we see the mystery of Your birth, which took place in a cave, help us to look past the things of this world. You came to earth as a humble man, so You could lead us up to heaven and so we sing to You: Alleluia! Ikos VIII You are everything to those who love You and are grateful that You came down to us. You lead up to heaven those of us who sing: Glory to You! Oh Son of God, who was born on earth! Glory to You! Who was born from the Virgin! Glory to You! Who showed Himself to us! Glory to You! Who brought the Magi from far away! Glory to You! Who is our joy! Glory to You! Oh delight of our hearts! Glory to You! Who was born to bring us salvation! Glory to You! Who cried for our salvation! Glory to You! Who is able to make us think of higher things! Glory to You! Who made us clean from our sins! Glory to You! Who has taken away our sin! Glory to You! Who has kept us from harm! Oh Jesus, Son of God, who became man for us, Glory to You!

Kontakion IX No people or angels can understand the mystery of Your birth, O Christ. You still accept our love and our faith, Oh Master, and save us who sing to You: Alleluia! Ikos IX We see the best speakers go silent when they think of Your birth, O Christ. They don't have any words to describe how amazing it is that a perfect God could come to us as a man, and how You were born of a Virgin. We don't look for answers, but we praise you in faith and sing: Glory to You! Oh Wisdom of God! Glory to You! Oh amazing Joy of all! Glory to You! Who made people who didn't know come to love Your knowledge! Glory to You! Who gave understanding to the children! Glory to You! Those who test you are ashamed! Glory to You! Who has shown us the light of knowledge! Glory to You! Who poured wisdom into Your creation! Glory to You! Who has shown us the path to salvation! Glory to You! Oh depths of loving-kindness! Glory to You! Oh depths of compassion and love for Your people! Oh Jesus, Son of God, who became man for us, Glory to You! Kontakion X You wanted to save this world which is suffering. You made everything here and came again as a baby. You, who made our load lighter is wrapped in blankets and laying in a manger. Since You are the Son of God, You came through the Virgin, and You wisely arranged all these things. You came to save those of us who sing to You: Alleluia! Ikos X Herod was against God and tried to kill the Savior who gives life to all. Innocent babies were killed by Herod's sword and so we have driven all hatred from our hearts. Now we glorify Him who came to save us, singing: Glory to You! Who showed Herod to be nothing! Glory to You! Who has let the babies who were killed be with the angels! Glory to You! Who destroys hate! Glory to You! Who has taught us gentleness and humbleness! Glory to You! Who has broken us in our pride! Glory to You! Who has shown the light of right things to us! Glory to You! Who by your birth did make the Virgin's womb holy! Glory to You! Who accepted the shepherd's wonder and the gifts of the Magi! Glory to You! Who taught even simple creatures to serve You! Glory to You! Who has saved all creation! Oh Jesus, Son of God, Who became man for us, Glory to You! Kontakion XI All praise we sing about You becoming like us falls short, and when we want to try to give it words, being quiet is better. Even if we could sing You as many songs as grains of sand on the beach, Oh King, we would not be able to sing enough. So we sing with humbleness: Alleluia!

Ikos XI The people who sat in darkness and almost death, looking at You who is the perfect light, came out of the darkness by Your light! You give all wisdom and understanding, and we sing: Glory to You! Oh Son of God, the pure light! Glory to You! Oh Sun of good things, Who has given us all light by Your birth! Glory to You! Who shines like the day! Glory to You! Who has poured a river of grace on us! Glory to You! Who has given us the water of salvation to drink! Glory to You! Who has shown us who love You that You are not burdensome! Glory to You! Who has brought us away from sin! Glory to You! Who has brought us out of slavery to the devil! Glory to You! Who has filled your time on earth with such gladness! Glory to You! Who has given us comfort through being born of You! Glory to You! Who has made our hearts desire You! Glory to You! Who has brought us back to the Father! Oh Jesus, Son of God, Who became man for us, Glory to You! Kontaidon XII Oh our Savior, who came to give grace to us all and to carry our debts by Your birth, carry away our sins so we can glorify Your birth and sing without stopping: Alleluia! Ikos XII We sing that You became man. We praise, bless, and worship You, Oh our Savior, and we believe that You are the Lord and God who saves all who hope in You. We are amazed at Your birth from the Virgin and we sing these things: Glory to You! Oh Son of God, who is worshiped in heaven with the Father and the Spirit! Glory to You! Who is above all the ranks of heaven and earth! Glory to You! Who has shown us the mystery of the story that began before time! Glory to You! Who has revealed Your love for us! Glory to You! Oh Maker of all creation! Glory to You, Oh merciful Savior! Glory to You! Who helps those who lead on earth while seeking You! Glory to You! Who gives wisdom to priests who love You! Glory to You! Oh Christ who began and holds up Your Church! Glory to You! Oh Christ who saves and holds all who believe in You! Glory to You! Oh Doctor and Healer of our bodies! Glory to You! Oh Maker and Savior of our souls! Oh Jesus, Son of God, Who became man for us, Glory to You! Kontakion XIII Jesus, You are all-sweet and most compassionate, You are our Savior, Creator, and Master! Take our small requests, thanksgiving, and praise like you took the gifts from the Magi. Keep us from all danger. Give us forgiveness from our sins, and keep us in eternal life with You through Your birth. We sing to You: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! The Kontakion is recited thrice, whereupon Ikos I and Kontakion I are repeated.

Prayer to Our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ On the Day of His Holy Birth Oh Great Father and Son, who have no beginning, and Spirit who is always existing. You make things that are new and haven't been made before, You save the lost, You give life to the dead, You do what you want with the angels and the earth, and You make all things go the way You have designed! As high as You are, listen and accept our praise, requests, confessions, and thanks from your people down below. We give them with our mouth, and we also give them with our heart. You have not dealt with us like we deserve to be dealt with. You told the children of Israel that if they would not keep Your words and do Your commandments, You would break their cities and make them ashamed. We have gone away from Your path and done what we wanted ourselves, we have not tried to hold You in our mind and hearts, we treat the traditions of our fathers as not important, we abandoned You for others, and we did have consequences, just like with the children of Israel. But You, Oh Lord, You are compassionate and give us mercy! You are patient, merciful, and true. You keep justice and give mercy to thousands! You take away our sins, and even though You abandon us for a little time, You have mercy on us because of Your great mercy! You discipline us like a compassionate father disciplines his children, and so You save us. You look down on our troubles and You listen to the things we ask, You have kept us from people who are against us and our enemies go away in the face of Your Christ, and those who love You shine like the sun! We have seen, and through us all people have seen that You are God, and there is no other besides You! You give life and take it away, You give pain and heal, and no one can take us from Your hand. Our hearts have been made in You, our words have been lifted up in our God, and we are joyful in Your salvation! We thank You, Oh God, that you disciplined us but did not give us over to death. Give us the memory of Your birth, keep it always and fully in our hearts. Hold us in fear, faith, and love, and in Your protection so that we can always sing and praise Your holy name. Bless our government leaders, keep Your Spirit resting on them. Give our priests holiness, give judgment and justice to those who lead us, give peace to all the people, bring us all to You. Oh Lord of all loving-kindness, give Your mercy to the ones know You, and show Yourself to those who don't look for You. Turn our enemies' hearts to You, and make Yourself known to all people and nations in Your Christ. From the beginning of the day until the end, let all the nations sing to You with one heart: Glory to You! God and Savior of everyone, from now and forever! Amen! *simplified 11/2015 by Ashley Tappan www.orthodoxkiddos.blogspot.com