May this reflection help you make the connection from the incarnation to the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ, focusing your hearts upon the true reason for His birth.
Silent night …
“But the crowds cried out, ‘Crucify him. Crucify him.’”
Holy night …
“Then they spat in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him and said, ‘Prophesy to us, Christ. Who hit you?’”
All is calm …
“When Pilate saw … that an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands … ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood.’ All the people answered, ‘Let his blood be on us and on our children.’”
All is bright …
“And darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.”
Round yon virgin mother and child …
“Who is my mother, and who are my brothers? … From now on … family divided against each other … .”
Holy infant …
“And carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the skull.”
So tender and mild …
“And he cried with a loud voice, ‘My God, my God. Why have you forsaken me?’”
Sleep …
“Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man has no place to lay his head.”
In heavenly peace …
“Do you think I came to bring peace to the earth? I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”
Sleep in heavenly peace.
“’It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
“And we beheld his glory, the glory of the one and only Son.”
From “Surrounded by Mystery.” Copyright 1988 by Ruth Senter. Used with permission.
Photo courtesy JustShot via Flickr
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