Friday, December 24, 2010

Novena for Christ-Mass: The Vigil

Today I got the car washed, put excess holiday decorations back into storage, had a decent breakfast at IHOP, picked up the specially-made Christmas ham, and finished wrapping presents. Whew! Now it comes, the quieting time.

As evening falls, there is a stillness in the air, as if the whole world is waiting with bated breath for its Deliverer to come upon them. Either that or the traffic dies down when the stores close early. Whatever.

Tonight, Paul and Sal and I will head to the church, to make preparations, to greet the King.

A Christmas Carol

The Christ-child lay on Mary's lap,
His hair was like a light.
(O weary, weary were the world,
But here is all aright.)

The Christ-child lay on Mary's breast,
His hair was like a star.
(O stern and cunning are the kings,
But here the true hearts are.)

The Christ-child lay on Mary's heart,
His hair was like a fire.
(O weary, weary is the world,
But here the world's desire.)

The Christ-child stood on Mary's knee,
His hair was like a crown,
And all the flowers looked up at Him,
And all the stars looked down.


G K Chesterton (1874–1936)
 

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