It’s amazing to me that no matter how old we might be — how many Christmases we have already lived through — that there continues to be something which draws us on numerous levels into this celebration of the birth of Our Lord. We encounter the beauty of these days and something deep within us wells up and fills our minds and hearts with joy and peace. And, of course, this makes sense, since what we are celebrating is our own redemption, the profound love of God who, when we were lost in darkness, pours forth His light into the world, in the Person of His Son.
On this Christmas, I’d like to share with you some of the words written by St. John Chrysostom, who lived over sixteen hundred years ago, they are words from a homily he preached on Christmas Day:
“I behold a new and wondrous mystery. My ears resound to the Shepherd’s song, piping no soft melody, but chanting full forth a heavenly hymn. The Angels sing. The Archangels blend their voice in harmony. The Cherubim hymn their joyful praise. The Seraphim exalt His glory. All join to praise this holy feast, beholding the Godhead here on earth, and man in heaven. He who is above, now for our redemption dwells here below and he that was lowly is by divine mercy raised.
Bethlehem this day resembles heaven; hearing from the stars the singing of angelic voices; and in place of the sun, enfolds within itself on every side, the Sun of Justice. And ask not how: for where God wills, the order of nature yields. For He willed, He had the power, He descended, He redeemed; all things move in obedience to God. This day He who is, is born; and He who is becomes what He was not…”
On behalf of myself, Fr. John Gibson and the entire Parish Staff a very blessed and joyful Christmas to all of you!
On this Christmas, I’d like to share with you some of the words written by St. John Chrysostom, who lived over sixteen hundred years ago, they are words from a homily he preached on Christmas Day:
“I behold a new and wondrous mystery. My ears resound to the Shepherd’s song, piping no soft melody, but chanting full forth a heavenly hymn. The Angels sing. The Archangels blend their voice in harmony. The Cherubim hymn their joyful praise. The Seraphim exalt His glory. All join to praise this holy feast, beholding the Godhead here on earth, and man in heaven. He who is above, now for our redemption dwells here below and he that was lowly is by divine mercy raised.
Bethlehem this day resembles heaven; hearing from the stars the singing of angelic voices; and in place of the sun, enfolds within itself on every side, the Sun of Justice. And ask not how: for where God wills, the order of nature yields. For He willed, He had the power, He descended, He redeemed; all things move in obedience to God. This day He who is, is born; and He who is becomes what He was not…”
On behalf of myself, Fr. John Gibson and the entire Parish Staff a very blessed and joyful Christmas to all of you!
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