This classic Maronite hymn is the opening hymn of the nine day Christmas novena. Originally written in Syriac, the hymn has 5 verses, however, the novena only uses the first 3 verses. This version begins with the original (loose) Arabic translation of the first verse, followed by the last two verses of the hymn in Syriac, which are not typically sung, however, are Liturgically appropriate.

Verse 1 (Arabic Translation): Glory to the Word, the great Mystery who has taken our flesh, The Almighty God. He has come to redeem us from the terrors of hell, He keeps far from our dwellings every evil night.

Verse 4 (Syriac): Lying down, the Son was suckled by the milk of Mary, but by His goodness all creatures are fed eternity. He is the living breast and the living breath. By His life, the dead are quenched of thirst and have life

Verse 5 (Syriac): Without a breath of air, no one can live, without the might of the Son no one can exist. Without the First-born no one is able
to approach unto Being, for He alone is capable of it.

Final Refrain (Syriac): Glory to that Voice Who became a body
and to the Word of the High One Who became flesh.

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