“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:12
We trace the first observance to Christmas back to A.D. 354 and this as the earliest Christmas carol. As we approach Christmas, I will research how the church observed it in its earliest days.
Jesus Refulsit Omnium
Jesus refulsit omnium, Pius redemptor gentium
Totum genus fidelium, Laudes celebret dramatum
Quem stella natum fulgida, Monstrat micans per authera
Magosque duxit praevia, Ipsius ad cunabula
Illi cadentes parvulum, Pannis adorant obsitum
Verum fatentur ut Deum, Munus ferendo mysticum.
Here’s the English translation.
Jesus, Light of All the Nations
Jesus, devoted redeemer of all nations, has shone forth,
Let the whole family of the faithful celebrate the stories
The shining star, gleaming in the heavens, makes Him known at His
birth and, going before, has led the Magi to His cradle
Falling down, they adore the tiny baby hidden in rags,
as they bear witness to the true God by bringing a mystical gift.’
Hillary of Poitiers (c. 310-357) in Jesus Refulsit Omnium or Jesus, Light of All the Nations, English translation by Kevin Hawthorne, PhD.
Today we see three words attached to Jesus. He is our Redeemer. He is a Light to all the nations. And He takes shape as a mystical Gift. He would save us from our sins (Redeemer) and show us how to live (Light).
Part of our role in response is the “celebrate the stories.” Be sure to read the Christmas story to children or grandchildren, or friends and neighbors so the whole world knows.
And Jesus also takes shape as something everyone needs and no one deserves, namely, a mystical Gift, full of grace, mercy, and truth. Soak in the fact that Jesus is Redeemer, Light, and Gift today.
Consider how you might “bear witness” by sharing Him with someone else this Christmas as part of your generosity.