Meditations for Advent ~ December 11

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made….And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.
John 1:1-3, 14

Angels We Have Heard On High

Angels we have heard on high, 

Sweetly singing o'er the plain;

And the mountains in reply

Echoing their joyous strains.

         Gloria in excelsis Deo!

         Gloria in excelcis Deo!

Shepherds, why this jubilee?

Why your joyous strains prolong?

Say what may the tidings be;

Which inspired your heavenly song?

Come to Bethlehem and see

Him, whose birth the angels sing;

Come, adore on bended knee,

Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

See Him in a manger laid,

Whom the choirs of angels praise;

Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,

While our hearts in love we raise.

   James Chadwick (1913-1882)