"Lord, halfway through these forty days ..."

Let us suppose that one considers the Christmas celebration as lasting forty days.

We would note that, in the traditional Roman calendar, today happens to be the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord. Those who follow this venue faithfully (and you both know who you are) remember how we described the Christmas season, or Christmastide, as running "from 25 December (the day of the 'Christ Mass' itself) to the end of the Octave of the Epiphany on 13 January (the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord)." That would make today the twentieth day of Christmastide -- that's right, halfway through forty days.

The next day, John saw Jesus coming to him, and he saith: Behold the Lamb of God, behold Him Who taketh away the sin of the world. This is He, of whom I said: After me there cometh a man, who is preferred before me: because He was before me. And I knew Him not, but that He may be made manifest in Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.

And John gave testimony, saying: I saw the Spirit coming down, as a dove from heaven, and He remained upon him. And I knew Him not; but He Who sent me to baptize with water, said to me: He upon Whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining upon Him, He it is that baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and I gave testimony, that this is the Son of God. (John 1:29-34)

Given the significance of this "twentieth day," it seemed only appropriate that there be a hymn devoted to John baptizing in the Jordan, one designed to highlight the occasion specifically in the context of Christmastide. Alas, none could be found.

So, using the familiar tune "St Flavian," I wrote one. (Somebody cue the organ in the video already.)

Lord, halfway through these forty days,
Unto the Jordan came.
There, John the Baptist saw His light,
And called Him out by name.

"This is the One, the Lamb of God,
Who takes our sins away."
And then did water pour on Him
To hear the Father say.

"Behold, hear my beloved Son,
In whom I am well pleased."
And Andrew when he heard of this,
Upon the moment seized.

"Oh Master, say where dost thou dwell,
That I may follow thee."
Our blessed Lord then did reply
To Andrew: "Come and see."

Praise to the Father and the Son
And to the Spirit be,
As all three Persons are as One,
Unto the Trinity.

Copyright 2024 by David Lawrence Alexander. All rights reserved.

Fisheaters provides further commentary on the significance of this event in salvation history. And so, our response to the "Christmas Season Lasts Forty Days" tirade continues.