Make ready, O Bethlehem;
for Eden hath been opened for all.
Prepare, O Ephratha;
for the Tree of life hath blossomed forth in the cave
from the Virgin;
for her belly did appear as a supersensual paradise
in which is planted the divine Plant,
whereof eating we shall live and not die as Adam.
Verily, Christ shall be born,
raising the likeness that fell of old.

(Troparion hymn for the Sunday before Christmas, Tone 4)