Tuesday, December 30

Tuesday, December 30
Christmas Weekday

The angels sang the shepherds to: gloria in excelsis Deo: gaudeamus [Glory to God in the highest: let us rejoice]. Now leave we all this worldly mirth and follow we this joyful birth; transeamus [let us pass over].

It happened in the Garden of Eden, and it happens in every one of us—sin spoils our relationship with God. But our brokenness is not our destiny. This hope is why, in the words of our hymn for today, “leave we all this worldly mirth and follow we this joyful birth.”

The music here resonates as boldly as the words. Spend a few moments listening to the Notre Dame Folk Choir rendition of this hymn, “Rosa Mystica” (at the link below), and note the dynamics with which we sing transeamus. Three different voices intone it, each at a lower note that stretches upward until the fourth voice enters above them all. It’s a nice portrayal of how we each long for union with God, stretching toward heaven until the Word descends to join us and we pass over together.
Virtue,” visit https://www.avemariapress.com/let-heaven-and-nature-sing-music.

Prayer for Morning
Triune God, the mystery of your love took shape in our humanity in the baby Jesus. Help me follow him into union with you. I sing with the angels and shepherds: glory to God in the highest!

Ponder Today
What “worldly mirth” am I being called to leave behind for a greater joy?

Prayer for Evening
Triune God, three persons in one who create, redeem, and sanctify me, help me to follow the way of our Savior—fill me with your Spirit, and create me anew. Loving God, increase my joy and awe at the magnitude of your love.