"The interchange of presents was a very small ingredient in the older English festivity. Mr. Pickwick took a cod with him to Dingley Dell; the reformed Scrooge ordered a turkey for his clerk; lovers sent love gifts; toys and fruit were given to children. But the idea that not only all friends be even all acquaintances should give one another presents, or at least send one another cards, is quite modern and has been forced upon us by the shop-keepers."~~C.S. Lewis
"It is in the old Christmas carols, hymns, and traditions~~those which date from the Middle Ages~~that we find not only what makes Christmas poetic and soothing and stately, but first and foremest what makes Christmas exciting. The exciting quality of Christmas rests on an ancient and admitted paradox. It rests upon the paradox that the power and center of the whole universe may be found in some seemingly small matter, that the stars in their courses may move like a moving wheel around the neglected outhouse of an inn."~~G.K. Chesterton
"Savior of the Nations, come,
Show Yourself the virgin's son.
Marvel, heaven, wonder, earth,
That our God chose such a birth.
No man's pow'r of mind or blood
But the Spirit of our God
Made the Word of God be flesh,
Woman's offspring, pure and fresh.
Here a maid was found with child,
Virgin pure and undefiled.
In her virtues it was known
God had made her heart His throne.
Then stepped forth the Lord of all
From his pure and kingly hall;
God of God, becoming man,
His heroic course began.
God the Father was His source,
Back to God He ran His course.
Into hell His road went down,
Back then to His throne and crown.
Father's equal, You will win
Vict'ries for us over sin.
Might eternal, make us whole;
Heal our ills of flesh and soul.
From the manger newborn light
Sends a glory through the night.
Night cannot this light subdue,
Faith keeps springing ever new.
Glory to the Father sing,
Glory to the Son, our king,
Glory to the Spirit be
Now and through eternity."
St. Ambrose of Milan
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