Happy New Year and Happy Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary!
When I give retreats to women, based on my book, I love to talk about Mary as our Wonder Woman. She really is!
To hear a recent talk, go here.
For more posts about Mary, go here.
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My favorite Christmas hymn is “What Child is This?” Yet it was only recently that I learned all the words. Some hymnals sell it short.
Here’s the fullest rendition I could find. It’s so powerful as a song-prayer.
What Child is This?
(text by William Chatterton Dix 1837-1898)
What child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The babe, the son of Mary.
Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and donkeys are feeding?
Good Christian, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spears shall pierce him through,
the cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail, the Word made flesh,
the Babe, the Son of Mary.
So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come, peasant, king, to own him.
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone him.
Raise, raise the song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The babe, the Son of Mary.
3 comments on “Mary, what wonder woman you are!”
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We sang this as we approached the Eucharist yesterday, Jan 1. I automatically walked up the aisle with the step-pause, step-pause that all of us angels did during the Christmas pageants for several years in my Protestant church. This was during my high-school years. We entered the dark church with long tapers of light, turning into the pews and lighting the candles in the windows. Still gets me, even now that I have the Ture Light!
I love this memory. Thanks for sharing it.