This Christmas night bestowed peace on the whole world;
So let no one threaten;
This is the night of the Most Gentle One –
Let no one be cruel;
This is the night of the Humble One –
Let no one be proud.
Now is the day of joy –
Let us not revenge;
Now is the day of Good Will –
Let us not be mean.
In this Day of Peace –
Let us not be conquered by anger.
Today the Bountiful impoverished Himself for our sake;
So, rich one, invite the poor to your table.
Today we receive a Gift for which we did not ask;
So let us give alms to those who implore and beg us.
This present Day cast open the heavenly doors to our prayers;
Let us open our door to those who ask our forgiveness.
Today the Divine Being took upon Himself the seal of our humanity,
In order for humanity to be decorated by the Seal of Divinity.
– St. Isaac the Syrian (7th century), Nativity Sermon
Related Post: He and Us – Thoughts On the Nativity from St. Ambrose
Interrupting the Silence 
Thank you for this beautiful Christmas message. May we all stop, reflect and take to heart these meaningful words. Merry Christmas
LikeLike
Thanks Beverly. I hope you all have a blessed and joyous Christmas.
Mike+
LikeLike
Thank you, Fr Mike, for this challenging message! Michael and I think of you and Cyndy really often and wish you an exceedingly blessed Christmastide.
On Dec 24, 2016 8:46 AM, “Interrupting the Silence” wrote:
> Michael K. Marsh posted: ” This Christmas night bestowed peace on the > whole world; So let no one threaten; This is the night of the Most Gentle > One – Let no one be cruel; This is the night of the Humble One – Let no one > be proud. Now is the day of joy – Let us not revenge; No” >
LikeLike
Thank you Jan. Christmas joy and blessings to you and your family.
Mike+
LikeLike
Very well said father Mike. Short but empowering.
LikeLike
Thank you Fr. Joey. I remind myself of this every year. I find St. Isaac’s words challenging and hopeful.
Christmas blessings to you.
Mike+
LikeLike
Thank you, Mike.
God bless you and yours this Christmas.
Richard
Revd R J Fisher
Associate Minister, St John’s Loughton
24 The Summit,
Loughton
IG10 1SW
Tel. 020 8281 1389
Mob. 07914 894 767
http://www.loughtonchurch.org.uk
Please note: my Day Off is Friday.
LikeLike
Fr. Richard, thank you for remembering me. May the blessing and joy of Christmas abound in you and your community.
Mike+
LikeLike
This was used tonight at our midnight service in the middle of rural Wales after I picked up your post. Many thanks for the inspired posts.
LikeLike
Thanks so much for letting me know. I am glad for rural south Texas and rural Wales to stand together with St. Isaac!
Christmas blessing and joy to you and your parish.
Mike+
LikeLike