....stoops heaven to earth....

In an extended poem of mixed quality, is to be found one of the finest theologically centred verses Richard Crashaw ever wrote. The Incarnation lies at the heart of Christian faith. Yet however precisely we formulate theological statements and calibrate doctrinal definitions in order not to say too much or too little; or however much we more humbly take refuge in paradox, and contemplate the mystery of the ages being revealed in the birth of a child; it may be that poets are our best guides, with the gift of imagination both reverent and daring, and using and crafting words less concerned with metaphysical precision than with spiritual comprehension. Doxology, the expression of praise through words which themselves must always be scandalously inadequate because human, are yet deemed worthy of the worship of God and the contemplation of the Divine Love, by none other than the Word made flesh:

Welcome, all Wonders in one sight!
   Eternity shut in a span.
Summer to winter, day in night,
   Heaven in earth, and God in man.
Great little One! Whose all-embracing birth
Lifts earth to heaven, stoops heaven to earth.

Earlier this week marked the tercentary of the birth of Charles Wesley. He wrote many hymns on Christ's nativity, but it is in one of his most famous hymns that he conveys the concentrated focus of God's intention in the Incarnation.

He left his Father's throne above-

So free, so infinite his grace-

Emptied himself of all but love,

and bled for Adam's helpless race.

'Tis mercy all, immense and free;

For, O my God, it found out me

Later this morning we will go to Choral Communion at the historic Paisley Abbey. I think a Choral Christmas Communion is one of those liturgical occasions when worship arises from the heart, almost against our will. Or at least thought and feeling, memory and intention, joyful Advent and remembered Easter, draw the soul upwards, wondering and mystified by a God whose love coalesces in the humility of Incarnation and the humiliation of Atonement, and yet, because we know how the story ends, humble redeeming love triumphs in reconciliation, resurrection and new creation.

Charles Wesley again:

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace,

Hail the Sun of righteousness;

light and life to all he brings

risen with healing in his wings:

mild he lays his glory by

born that we no more may die

born to raise us from the earth

born to give us second birth:

Hark the herald angels sing

Glory to the new-born King.

Glory indeed!

As those embarrassed people say at the moment of their sudden fame, I'd just like to say hello to everyone who knows me! and have a Joyful Christmas!

Comments

[Catriona]

"And also with you"

Thank you for all your wonderful posts this year. Enjoy your day, and some well earned rest in the next few.