Night that is brighter than day

O night that is brighter than day,
O night more dazzling than the sun,
O night more sparkling than fresh snow,
O night more brilliant than all our lamps!
O night that is sweeter than Paradise,
O night delivered from darkness,
O night that dispels the sleep of sin,
O night that makes us keep vigil with the angels,
O night terrible for the demons,
O night desired by all the year,
O night that leads the bridal Church to her Spouse,
O night that is mother to the baptized!
O night in which the Devil, sleeping, was despoiled,
O night in which the Heir brings the co-heirs to their heritage!

~ hymn by Asterius of Amasea, 4th century.