Five thousand one hundred ninety-nine years from the creation of the world, when in the beginning God created heaven and earth; two thousand nine hundred and fifty-seven years from the deluge; two thousand and fifteen years from the birth of Abraham; one thousand five hundred and ten years from Moses and the going out of the people of Israel from Egypt; one thousand and thirty-two years from David’s being anointed king; In the sixty-fifth week according to the prophecy of Daniel; In the one hundred and ninety-fourth Olympiad; seven hundred and fifty-two years from the building of the city of Rome; In the forty-second year of the reign of Octavian Augustus: The whole world being in peace: In the sixth age of the world:
Jesus Christ, the eternal God, and Son of the eternal Father, wishing to consecrate this world by his most merciful coming, being conceived of the Holy Spirit, and nine months since his conception having passed, In Bethlehem of Judah, is born of the Virgin Mary, being made Man: THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO THE FLESH!
In my parishes, and many others, the above is proclaimed, or sung, before Midnight Mass annoucing the feast of the day- Christmas.
I’ve been home in Wichita Falls for almost a week now meeting with old friends and enjoying a break from the usual routine of Austin. Perhaps because of the different routine, or perhaps because of my inability to be at peace here, I don’t have reflections on Christmas. However, a friend of mine from Austin, Cristina is working on a four-post series on various other holidays during this period. She has two posts online now, one on Kwanzaa and one on Los Posadas, a Mexican celebration marking Mary and Joseph’s hunt for lodging before the birth of Christ. A couple of interesting posts that I’ve enjoyed.
According to Reuters, the Vatican has opened a coffee bar on top of St. Peter’s basilica. The shop serves customers who have already been to the top of the dome and are making their way down. The story notes that unlike other coffee bars in Italy, this one does not serve alcoholic beverages.
While looking at the Vatican in the news, I found a story about Holy Mother Church taking possession of a couple of Lamborghinies… Lamborghini electric golf carts. Four electric carts were given to aid in security. Before the carts, patrol was done on foot with cars entering St. Peter’s square during emergenies only.
That’s not it from the Vatican. This year, if you’re in Italy, you could watch Pope John Paul II celebrate Midnight Mass over your cell phone. Talk about the New Evangelization!
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