December 8 1997

ARTICLE TOOLS

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Maker of the sun,

He is made under the sun.

In the Father he remains,

From his mother he goes forth.

Creator of heaven and earth,

He was born on earth under heaven.

Unspeakably wise,

He is wisely speechless.

Filling the world,

He lies in a manger.

Ruler of the stars,

He nurses at his mother's bosom.

He is both great in the nature of God,

and small in the form of a servant.

—Saint Augustine of Hippo, 354-430

The Christmas scene that Anthony arranged under the altar [was] probably the most meaningful "crib" I have ever seen. Three small wood-carved figures made in India: a poor woman, a poor man, and a small child between them. The carving is simple, nearly primitive. No eyes, no ears, no mouths, just the contours of the faces. The figures are smaller than a human hand—nearly too small to attract attention at all. But then—a beam of light shines on the three figures and projects large shadows on the wall of the sanctuary. That says it all. The light thrown on the smallness of Mary, Joseph, and the Child projects them as large, hopeful shadows against the walls of our life and our world. While looking at the intimate scene we already see the first outlines of the majesty and glory they represent. … Without the radiant beam of light shining into the darkness there is little to be seen . …But everything changes with the light.

—Henri J. M. Nouwen in The Genesee Diary

What can I give Him,

Poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd,

I would bring a lamb,

If I were a Wise Man,

I would do my part,—

Yet what can I give Him?

Give my heart.

—Christina Rosetti,

"A Christmas Carol"

The spirit of Christmas needs to be superseded by the Spirit of Christ. ...