Novena for Christ-Mass: The Vigil

I went to the office today at the usual time, rather than take the whole day off -- not because I had much to do there, so much as someone had to be there to open the place up. I left work around noon. This afternoon, I finished wrapping gifts, and did most of the tree decorating, putting on the last row of lights. We may hang a garland or two in the morning.

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.

Later this evening, after all is decorated and all is wrapped, I am heading 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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