From the Rector
In the week ahead, we'll journey together into unfolding promise of God's saving embrace and its fulfillment in the fullness of time—when all creation beheld the wonder of God’s Word made flesh.
What stirs you as we approach Christmas?
On Tuesday evening, as we gather to celebrate the Eve of the Nativity, our liturgy will end in the gentle glow of candlelight and the familiar strains of Silent Night. Together, we will hear the message of the angels and stand in awe beside Mary and Joseph as they cradle the newborn Christ. The Marian Antiphon for Christmas, the Alma Redemptoris Mater, begins with such wonder before the mystery of this encounter:
"Kindly Mother of our Redeemer,
Great Portal of heaven ever open,
... O thou who hast brought forth,
To all nature’s wonder, nature’s Lord,
Thine own Creator..."
In Mary’s embrace, the very God who fashioned all things from nothing entered the world as a child, enfleshed in love for us all.
As Advent gives way to Christmas and the dawning of its twelve days, as the candlelight swells into the brilliance of sunlight, I’d love to share with you two ancient hymns that have been my companions. I hope they offer you light as we await its rising in Bethlehem.
The first hymn, drawn from the Roman Breviary of the 7th century, is a Vesper prayer as Advent wanes:
Blessed Creator of the stars, eternal light of the faithful, Jesus, redeemer of all, hear the prayers of thy servants.
Who, lest through frauds of the devil all perish, moved by love becamest the healer of the sick world.
To atone for the sin of the world thou camest from the Virgin's womb, spotless victim, to the cross.
Thy glorious power and name when heard make angels and men trembling bend the knee.
We pray thee, great judge of the last day, to defend us from our enemies with arms of grace from above.
Power, honor, praise, and glory to God the Father, with the Son and the Holy Comforter, for ever and ever.
The second hymn, attributed to Saint Prudentius, one of the greatest Latin hymn-writers, celebrates the wonder of Christmas and Epiphany:
Begotten of the Father's love before the world was made, called Alpha and Omega, he the source and end of all things that are, that were, that shall be; for ever and ever. Amen.
O blessed birth, when the Virgin conceived of the Holy Ghost brought forth our salvation, when the Child, redeemer of the world, lifted his sacred head; for ever and ever.
Let the height of heaven sing; sing all angels; whatever has life, sing and praise God. No tongue shall be silent; sing, every voice; for ever and ever.
Three old men and young proclaim; choirs of boys, matrons, maidens, children, joining their voices, sing hymns to thee; for ever and ever.
May the light of Christ bless you and those you love in this holy season.
With joy and peace,
Fr. Peter
