~ by Michael J. Carroll
A blanket of crisp yuletide snow caresses the hamlet. Smoke rises up from the chimneys of the wooden houses nestled in the Valley of the Teign. The dawn is breaking and there is light in the windows. Snowflakes caress every vestige of life, and the first of God’s children rises from her slumber. Her soul stirs as she awakes, for she is profusely and profoundly in love, because today is the day when the gentle Christ Child reigns in all hearts. She kneels before her bed in pious adoration for her Lord Jesus. Her prayers ascend with the chimney smoke that floats heavenward like incense above the forest. In this corner of olde England, the pagans are put to flight as peace is laid upon the land. King Alfred’s isle is won for the Christ Child this holy day. Throughout this sceptred realm, the Incarnation reigns as impious imps are turned into stone, and only love remains.
Her transcendent morning prayers are assumed into the vaults of heaven, as the Queen of Heaven looks down and beholds a small heart on fire with such sincere piety. The saints of the medieval age look on from the Throne of Grace and give praise for this blessing. God’s loves shines upon her overflowing grace-filled heart as angels are dispatched to the forest to deliver the gentlest of consolations this yuletide morn. Soul ablaze with the love of the incarnate one, her heart is illuminated by holy fire. Aloud, she marvels, “Such a small Child in swaddling clothes is the hope of all mankind. I love my Lord Jesus above everything. How can it be that my Lord Jesus loves me? How can it be that my good Lord endows my soul with such sweet consolation this day?”
Purple is the colour of the King Child’s robes this morning. White is the mantle of the land all adorned. Red is the colour of the maid’s shawl as she runs through the forest floor. She hears bells of paradise and hurries to the church as angels flock gently down from the heavenly realm to assure her safe passage through the bough-laden path.
The valley is filled with the call to worship, while in the church sacristy, a priest vests in the precious ‘chasuble of the Lord’s Day’. Men and boys come to serve at the altar, in the presence of unblemished King. Our maid is radiant with a bride’s love this Christian morn as she awaits the Lord Jesus at the Wedding Supper of her beloved Lamb.
All praise to the Lamb on this Christmas Day,
The Lamb who came to take my sins away.
St. Michael attends by the altar side
The bread to be transformed and sanctified.
Let pious hearts won by Christ sing,
“I love my Lord Jesus above everything.”
Lovely.