Interrupting the Silence

Tag: Christmas

  • A Strange Mystery

    Today a strange mystery has been fulfilled; for nature has been renewed and God has become human. Yes, he remains ever the same, divine, but has now taken on to himself what he had not before, humanity. The two, divinity and humanity, exist as one neither being commingled nor separated. O Lord, you came to Read more

  • The Final Work of Advent

    “Now the birth of Jesus took place in this way….” (Matthew 1:18-25) Matthew’s description of how the birth happens does not mention anything that is on my to-do list. So maybe the real work, the final work of Advent, is to get out of the way and let the baby be born. Get out of the Read more

  • Nativity Prayer of St. Bernard of Clairvaux

    “Let your goodness Lord appear to us, that we, made in your image, may conform ourselves to it. In our own strength we cannot imitate your majesty, power, and wonder nor is it fitting for us to try. But your mercy reaches from the heavens through the clouds to the earth below. You have come to us as a Read more

  • Mothers of God

    “We are all meant to be mothers of God. What good is it to me if this eternal birth of the divine Son takes place unceasingly, but does not take place within myself? And, what good is it to me if Mary is full of grace if I am not also full of grace? What Read more

  • The Ecstasy of Christmas

    The collect and readings for Christmas Day may be found here. The appointed gospel was John 1:1-14. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. Read more

  • The Cradle of Birth and New Life – A Sermon for Christmas Eve

    The collect and readings for Christmas Eve may be found here. The appointed gospel is Luke 2:1-20. In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Read more

  • Hymns on the Nativity – St. Ephrem

    “The Son of the Most High came and dwelt in me, and I became His Mother; and as by a second birth I brought Him forth so did He bring me forth by the second birth, because He put His Mother’s garments on, she clothed her body with His glory.” – St. Ephrem the Syrian, Hymns on the Nativity, Hymn XI. Read more

  • Nativity Sermon of St. Isaac the Syrian

    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 Read more

  • The Time of our Salvation Approaches

    Behold, the time of our salvation approacheth; make thou ready, O cave; for it is time for the Virgin to give birth: and thou, Bethlehem of Judah, rejoice and be happy; for from thee shall shine forth our Lord. Listen O, mountains and hills and the regions about Judah; for Christ cometh to save man Read more