[Pearls Ep 151: Preparing for Christmas.]
Christmas is nearly here. In time, that is. In eternity, it is both infinitely close and something to be forever discovered.
In this week’s Pearls of the Interior Life we look at Christmas Carols, and what they mean to our Interior Life.
A “carol” is a song of praise and/or joy. As with many things Christian, carols can be traced to pagan origins. It is ever the genius of Christianity to redeem our fallen humanity – and thus carols have been transformed into something sacred in the celebration of Christmas.
St. Francis (according to the account of his life by St. Bonaventure), began the tradition of Nativity scenes (particularly with live actors) to enkindle devotion. These living scenes included canticles (scriptural poetry) and hymns set to music – the first Christmas Carols.
Christmas Carols capture the spirit of the Incarnation – God becoming man, so that He could save us. What better way to explore the relationship between us and God as we arrive at Christmas? And so in our follow up messages (no video this week) we look at a few carols in particular, and the light they shed on our journey with Christ.
Christmas blessings –
Steve and Karen Smith
Interior Life
Postscript: A Gift of Carols
Here are five gems that might be new to you:
Still, Still, Still – Seraphic Fire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_C8Yaj7AqA
Gloria, by Palestrina: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSo8rRn-vEA&list=PLX0QTwsBoo-BLZPo-zLU9XRvpW3uQCULw&index=10
Shepherd’s Pipe Carol, by James Galway (his entire Christmas Carol series is enchanting): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4sCZmrjKEw&list=PL9_b8Ve46NIj-a-oRgTqzKD17EnZN0jER
Nesciens Mater Virgo Virum (Not Knowing Man, the Virgin Mother), by Jean Mouton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hZHKKD5ahk&t=87s
An Evening in December, by First Call (not a Carol per say, but as cozy as it gets): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cy5H-rpTDOg