When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child, of the Holy Ghost. Whereupon Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing publicly to expose her, was minded to put her away privately. But while he thought on these things, behold the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, saying: “Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, for that which is conceived in her, is of the Holy Ghost.
And she shall bring forth a son: and thou shalt call his name Jesus. For he shall save his people from their sins.” Matt. 1:18-21, today’s Gospel from the Propers of the Mass, source
Today is the Vigil of Christmas. On this day, our First Parents, Adam and Eve, are honored as saints, particularly in the Eastern rites of the Catholic Church:
Christmas Eve is the feast day of our first parents, Adam and Eve, who are commemorated as Saints in the calendars of the Catholic churches of Eastern rites. Their veneration spread also to the West and became very popular toward the end of the first millennium. Although the Latin rite of the Catholic Church never officially introduced their feast, it did not oppose their popular veneration. In many old churches of Europe their statues may still be seen among the images of the Saints. source
We are within hours of the Great Day.. In 1917, the wife of G.K. Chesterton, Frances Chesterton, wrote the hymn, How Far is It To Bethlehem, which reflects the anticipation felt at this time. Here are the lyrics to the hymn:
How far is it to Bethlehem?
Not very far.
Shall we find the stable room
Lit by a star?
Can we see the little Child?
Is He within?
If we lift the wooden latch
May we go in?
May we stroke the creatures there
Oxen or sheep?
May we peep like them and see
Jesus asleep?
If we touch His tiny hand
Will He awake?
Will He know we’ve come so far
Just for His sake?
Great kings have precious gifts
And we have naught
Little smiles and little tears
Are all we brought.
For all weary children
Heaven must weep
Here, on His bed of straw
Sleep, children, sleep.
God in His mother’s arms
Babes in the byre
Sleep, as they sleep who find
Their heart’s desire.
Beautiful!
And, tonight:
May you have a good day.
SCF
~Image: the Blessed Virgin Mary holding the Savior of the World, Christ Jesus, both protected by the great St. Joseph.
