We have been graced this year with a great storm over Christmas. While the wind raged outside, we were treated to a wonderful candlelight Midnight Mass.
In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
in the bleak midwinter, long ago.
earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
in the bleak midwinter, long ago.
Heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain;
heaven and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign.
In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed
heaven and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign.
In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed
the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.
Angels and archangels may have gathered there,
cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;
but his mother only, in her maiden bliss,
worshiped the beloved with a kiss.
cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;
but his mother only, in her maiden bliss,
worshiped the beloved with a kiss.
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 I can I give him: give my heart.
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
if I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
yet what I can I give him: give my heart.
After Mass was over each of us venerated the baby Jesus.
We wish you all a very happy and holy Christmas!
We wish you all a very happy and holy Christmas!
Merry Christmas Fathers and Brothers, and to all friends and family here!
ReplyDelete'O my child, bethink you that just as the bee, having gathered heaven's dew and earth's sweetest juices from amid the flowers, carries it to her hive; so the Priest, having taken the Saviour, God's Own Son, Who came down from Heaven, the Son of Mary, Who sprang up as earth's choicest flower, from the Altar, feeds you with that Bread of Sweetness and of all delight.'
ReplyDeleteSt. Francis de Sales (Inspirational Quotes from the Saints)
Merry blessed and holy Christmas! :)
Merry Christmas to all the monastery.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas! Many vocations for the years to come!
ReplyDelete-Konstantin
Thank you Father, great pictures; and a Blessed Christmas to all the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer!
ReplyDeleteDo you ever get a display of the Northern Lights? Would be great to see some pics!
ReplyDeleteA happy and Holy Christmastide and a very good New Year to you all! "Ring out the old, ring in the new!"
ReplyDelete