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Wednesday, December 25, 2013

A Christmas Sermon from St John Chrysostom

From around the latter part of the 4th century A.D.

‘Chrysostom’ means in English ‘Golden-Mouthed’, so named because of his eloquent, wise, and soul-saving preaching. 

This particular sermon of St John begins in the following manner:

I behold a new and wondrous mystery! My ears resound to the Shepherd's song, piping no soft melody, but chanting full forth a heavenly hymn.

The Angels sing!
The Archangels blend their voices in harmony!
The Cherubim hymn their joyful praise!
The Seraphim exalt His glory!

All join to praise this holy feast, beholding the Godhead here on earth, and man in heaven. He who is above, now for our redemption dwells here below; and he that was lowly is by divine mercy raised.

Bethlehem this day resembles heaven; hearing from the stars the singing of angelic voices; and in place of the sun, enfolds within itself on every side the Sun of Justice.

And ask not how: for where God wills, the order of nature yields. For He willed, he had the power, He descended, He redeemed; all things move in obedience to God.

The rest is available here:

Merry Christmas to you all.

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