May Christ give this day to be joyful for all Christians, for those who love Him!
O Christ Jesu, Son of God, mediator between our nature and the divine: As Eternal God thou didst visit the earth, as New Man thou fliest through the air.
Angels and Clouds press Thee around with their service, because Thou willst return to the Father.
But what wonder, since, when still a suckling, a star served Thee – and angels!
Today, o Lord, Thou hast given to earth-dwelling men reason that is sweet and new to hope for the heavenly, when Thou didst raise Thyself as Man, not figment, beyond the courses of the stars, o Lord of Kings.
How much joy filleth Thy apostles, to whom Thou didst grant to behold Thy progress though the heavens!
How happily in the heavens do the nine orders meet Thee, carrying on Thy shoulders the one flock long scattered by the wolves!
O Christ, Good Shepherd, disdain Thou not to guard this flock!
