Today is the Feast of St. John of the Cross, a 16th century saint who is considered one of history's foremost poets in the Spanish language and who is known for his writings on the Christian spiritual life. Here, we offer one of St. John's poems on the Nativity for your Advent reflection.
The Birth
When the time had come
For Him to be Born
He went forth like the bridegroom
From his bridal chamber,
Embracing His bride,
Holding her in His arms,
Whom the gracious Mother
Laid in a manger
Among some animals
That were there at that time.
Men sang songs
And angels melodies
Celebrating the marriage
Of Two such as these.
But God there in the manger
Cried and moaned;
And these tears were jewels
The bride brought to the wedding.
The Mother gazed in sheer wonder
On such an exchange:
In God, man’s weeping,
And in man, gladness,
To the one and the other
Things usually so strange.
St. John of the Cross, pray for us!