Paradoxes of Christmas

Archdiocese of Washington ^ | 12-26-18 | Msgr. Charles Pope

[Salvation]

Paradoxes of Christmas

Msgr. Charles Pope • December 26, 2018 •

In the ancient Church and up until rather recently, one genuflected at the two references to the Incarnation during the Mass: during the Creed and in the Last Gospel (John 1). Why was this done? It was explained to me that the mystery of the Incarnation is so deep, one can only fall in silent reverence.

There are many paradoxes and seeming impossibilities in the Incarnation. They cannot be fully solved, so they claim our reverence. We genuflected in the past, and today we bow at the mention of the Incarnation in the Creed, for it is a deep mystery.

As we continue to celebrate Christmas, I would like to list some of the paradoxes of Christmas. I want to say as little about them as possible—just enough to make the paradox clear. This paucity of words (not common with me) is in reverence for the mystery and also to invite your reflection.

1. The Infinite One becomes an infant.
2. An antiphon for the Christmas season says, How can we find words to praise your dignity O Virgin Mary, for he whom the very heavens cannot contain, you carried in your womb.
3. An old Latin carol (in Dulci Jublio) says, Alpha et O, Matris in Gremio (Alpha and Omega, sitting in Mommy’s lap).
4. He who looks down on all creation looks up to see His Mother. The most high looks up from a cradle. Of this moment, even the pagans wrote with longing and tenderness: Incipe, parve puer, risu cognoscere matrem … ipsa tibi blandos fundent cunabula flores, occidet et serpens, et fallax herba veneni occidet (Begin, little boy, to recognize the face of your mother with a smile … for you, your own cradle will bear delightful flowers; the serpent will die and the plant that hides its venom) – Virgil 4th Eclogue.
5. He who indwells all creation is born in homelessness, no place to dwell.
6. He, to whom all things in Heaven and on earth belong, is born in poverty and neediness.
7. He is the mighty Word through whom all things were made. He is the very utterance of God, the Voice which summons all creation into existence. Of this Word, this Utterance, this Voice, Scripture says, The voice of the LORD is upon the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD, upon many waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful, the voice of the LORD is full of majesty … The voice of the LORD flashes forth flames of fire. The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness … The voice of the LORD makes the oaks to whirl, and strips the forests bare; and in his temple all cry, “Glory!” (Ps. 29) Yet this voice is now heard as the cooing and crying of an infant.
8. His infant hand squeezes His mother’s finger. From that infant hand, the universe tumbled into existence. That same hand is steering the stars in their courses.
9. He who holds all creation together in Himself (Col 1:17) is now held by His Mother.
10. He who is the Bread of Life is born in Bethlehem (House of Bread) and lies in a feeding trough (manger).
11. He who is our sustainer and our food is now hungry and fed by His Mother.
12. Angels and Archangels may have gathered there, Cherubim and Seraphim thronged the air! But only his mother in her maiden bliss, could worship the beloved with a kiss (Christina Rosetti “In the Bleak Midwinter”).

Each of these is meant to be a meditation on the great mystery of the Incarnation. Please chime in with your additions to this list!

A paradox is something that defies intuition or challenges the common way of thinking. It unsettles us or startles us into thinking more deeply. The word paradox comes from the Greek para (beside, off to the side, or above) and dokein (to think or to seem). Hence a paradox is something “off to the side” of the usual way of seeing or thinking about things. If you’re going to relate to God you’re going to deal with a lot of paradox, because God’s ways and His thinking often defy those of humans. God is not irrational but He often acts in ways that do not conform to worldly expectations.

This Christmas, consider these paradoxes and learn from them. Remember, though, that mysteries are to be lived more so than solved. Reverence is a more proper response to mystery than is excessive curiosity. More is learned in silence than by many words.

[Salvation]

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Monsignor Pope Ping!

[Red Badger]

[reed13k]

I see what you did there... lol

[Mercat]

😎. Love them.

[lightman]

The final hymn of Matins today (December 27) in the Orthodox Church:

Incomprehensible is the mystery that is accomplished today in Bethlehem!
The invisible One becomes visible;
the fleshless One assumes flesh;
the Logos takes substance;
and the One who is becomes what He was not.

A Virgin gives birth in a cave to a new baby who is the Fashioner of nature.
A manger portrays a heavenly throne, and animals represent an array of Cherubim.
Shepherds marvel;
Magi bring gifts.
Angels sing praises, saying,
“Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth.
For Emmanuel, without changing,
is well pleased to be with mankind.”

[lightman]

“Praise God the Lord, Ye Sons of Men”
by Nikolaus Herman
Translated by August Crull, 1845-1923

1. Praise God the Lord, ye sons of men,
Before His highest throne;
Today He opens heaven again
And gives us His own Son.

2. He leaves His heavenly Father's throne,
Is born an infant small,
And in a manger, poor and lone,
Lies in a humble stall.

3. He veils in flesh His power divine
A servant's form to take;
In want and lowliness must pine
Who heaven and earth did make.

4. He nestles at His mother's breast,
Receives her tender care,
Whom angels hail with joy most blest,
King David's royal heir.

5. ‘Tis He who in these latter days
From Judah's tribe should come,
By whom the Father would upraise
The Church, His Christendom.

6. A wondrous change which He doth make!
He takes our flesh and blood,
And He conceals for sinners’ sake
His majesty of God.

7. He serves that I a lord may be;
A great exchange indeed!
Could Jesus’ love do more for me
To help me in my need?

8. He opens us again the door
Of Paradise today;
The angel guards the gate no more,
To God our thanks we pay.

The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #105
Text: Luke 2: 1-14
Author: Nikolaus Herman, 1560
Translated by: August Crull, Ý1923, alt.
Titled: Lobt Gott, ihr Christen allzugleich
Composer: Nikolaus Herman, 1554
Tune: Lobt Gott, ihr Christen

[EDINVA]

har har

[trebb]

And God, who spoke the universe into creation, and within whom the universe exists, also resides in our individual hearts....