Hoc praesens diecula loquitur
praelucida,
adaucta longitudine,
quod sol verus radio sui
luminis vetustas mundi
depulerit genitus tenebras.
Nec nox vacat novi
sideris luce,
quod magorum oculos
terruit scios:
Nec gregum magistris
defuit lumen,
quos praestrinxit claritas
militum dei.
Gaude, dei genetrix,
quam circumstant obstetricum vice
concinentes angeli
gloriam deo.
This present little day proclaims,
illumined,
its length increased,
that the true Sun by the ray
of its light has driven off
the ancient darknesses of the world.
Nor does this night lack
the light of the new star,
which terrified the knowing
eyes of the magi:
Nor was light lacking
for the masters of their flocks,
who were stricken by the brightness
of the soldiers of God.
Rejoice, O god-bearer,
who instead of midwives are surrounded
by angels singing in harmony
glory to God.
--Notker of St Gall, "Natus ante saecula"
