Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Merry Christmas

A child is born to us, a son is given to us.

Glory be to God in the highest and on earth.

Peace to men of good will. Alleluia.

The word was made flesh and dwelt among us. Alleluia.

We sang this beautiful motet at Communion: Puer natus est nobis composed by Cristobal Morales at our first Christ-mas: The Nativity of the Lord - YouTube

It's the introit for the Mass during the day and the chant is so beautiful: Puer Natus Est Nobis - YouTube

We had just enough time to take some Christmas pictures before heading to Midnight Mass at Sacred Heart. It was amazing with a string quartet in the choir loft with us. I took this picture from the loft and by the time Mass began, the sanctuary was half full with young families--sleeping babies and wide-awake toddlers. I couldn't help but think of the Holy Innocents, whose feast we celebrate today. They are the first martyrs for Christ Jesus. They were killed because any one of them could've been the Christ and Herod was afraid that here was a King foretold. We sing in the Coventry Carol: Herod the king, in his raging/charged he hath this day/his men of might in his own sight/all young children to slay. Yet, Christ allows this, as He allows all manner of suffering. Indeed, His ways are inscrutable. 

Christmas--the center of all human history. When God stooped down to become one of us, so that one day we might gain heaven! Thank you and bless you, dear sweet Jesus! And a Merry Christmas to all.   

4 comments:

Mirka Breen said...

Although it's a translation, I love the phrase "a son is given." Yes, it's a perfect use of the passive voice. We all know who the giver is, so not putting this in the phrase makes it more powerful somehow.
Wishing many blessings to you and yours as you celebrate the gift.

Vijaya said...

Such an interesting observation and I do love how poetic it is. It's the same with Mary's Fiat--she says in all humility, let it be done unto me according to your word. Thank you for your blessings. I still can't wrap my head around the Mystery of this Gift.

Barbara Etlin said...

That chant is so beautiful.

Vijaya said...

Thanks for listening, Barb. A happy New Year to you and Mike.