posts. Interesting that during this time of year where we celebrate Christ's birth...the fact the discussions are NOT about Him, rather Mary--> And it's a very interesting question. Why exactly are some folks (non-Catholics all, like you, G or Rn etc.) so obsessed with this during this time of the year when we celebrate Christ's birth?
It must be all those Madonna and Child Christmas cards floating around. Some people want to make sure Mother Mary is properly minimized for the occasion.
Here’s a little celebratory seasonal chant (Tone 4) for those of us who venerate Panagia. This is from the Lauds for the Matins of the Nativity. It was written in the 8th century by +Andrew of Crete.
“Make glad, O ye righteous; greatly rejoice, O ye heavens; ye mountains, dance for joy. Christ is born, and like the cherubim the Virgin makes a throne, carrying at her bosom God the Word made flesh. Shepherds glorify the new-born Child, magi offer the Master gifts. Angels sing praises, saying: ‘O Lord past understanding, glory to Thee!’ It was the good pleasure of the Father: the Word became flesh, and the Virgin bore God made man. A star spreads abroad the tidings: the Magi worship, the shepherds stand amazed, and the creation is filled with mighty joy. O Mother of God, Virgin who hast borne the Saviour, thou hast overthrown the ancient curse of Eve. For thou hast become the Mother of Him in whom the Father was well pleased, and has carried at thy bosom God the incarnate Word. We cannot fathom this mystery: but by faith alone we all glorify it, crying with thee and saying: O Lord past all interpretation, glory to Thee! O come, let us sing the praises of the Mother of the Saviour, who after bearing child still remained Virgin. Rejoice, thou Living City of God the King, in which Christ has dwelt, bringing to pass our salvation. With Gabriel we sing thy praises; with the shepherds we glorify thee, crying: O Mother of God, intercede for our salvation with Him who took flesh from thee!”
With all due respect Cronos...the point of that post was geared toward catholics consistantly bringing the topic back to Mary ....rather than Christ...who after all is the focus of Christmas. It is about His birth...the Savior has arrived.
I have attempted several times to speak of Christ only to have catholics respond with Mary as the focus of his birth. And the point is they view Mary as more significant in the birth of Christ than the event that He has come.