Paradoxes of Christmas

ADW.org ^ | 27 December 2021 | Msgr Pope

[Cronos]

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.

[Cronos]

Paradoxes of Christmas

Mgsr Charles Pope Ping

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[Apple Pan Dowdy]

I don’t see mention that this thread is “caucus” so I hope it is okay for me as a Protestant to reply. The birth of the Messiah Christ Jesus is indeed a “mystery” that as Christians we accept with incomplete understanding but with Faith.

For 4 Sundays our pastor’s sermons were concerning the Virgin birth of Jesus, why it was necessary, and what the results were. I read your list and agree wholeheartedly. Though as Protestants we do not genuflect, nor do we worship Mary, though we do hold her in high esteem as God chose her to birth the Messiah, we do however fall on our knees in awe and reverence when we consider all that the birth of Christ means.

The last item on your list is my favorite Christmas Carol. The last verse in this carol is what speaks to me most. It says:

“What can I give him? Poor as I am If I were a shepherd I would give a lamb If I were a wise man I would do my part But what I can I give him Give him my heart Give him my heart”

And that is what we do in response to this great “mystery”…… we give Him our heart, our lives, our all.

[vpintheak]

Good stuff.

[Cronos]

It isn’t a caucus thread, but free for all to read, thank you for your comment.

[Texas_Guy]

Catholics don’t worship Mary

[frank ballenger]

The picture shows St.Joseph as an old man. One of many such paintings in past eras.

I heard a commentator say that there is no mention of him being old in Scripture. This was meant to reassure doubters that he could marry but never have relations. His following of God’s commands and protection of his family while under siege from killers as he brought them to Egypt includes respecting Mary’s status.

[MurphsLaw]

Better late than never...
Another paradox - I have seen - in the Nativity Incarnation - could be the Good News of the Highest, Almighty-est King of King's birth...
would be heard First, by the the most uncommon, lowliest persons in the form of the Sheperds..
Or is that reaching...?