LITTLE JESUS IN THE MANGER

Little Jesus in the manger, Lying in peace and joy

Amidst the cattle with your Mother, You are her Baby Boy

Look at me here in cold severe, Coming to adore You.

With the shepherds and animals, Worship and praise Your due.

Your gentle smile shines all the while, Calling me to come near

Simple creatures whose life preaches, They are to you most dear.

Sleep gentle Babe, Divine Infant, Enter in my poor heart

There take Your seat, Jesus most sweet, Never from me depart.

Angels from your realms of glory, Wing your flight over the earth

You who sang creation’s glory, Now proclaim Jesus’ birth.

Shepherds in the field abiding, Watching the flocks by night

God with man is now residing, See, the stars’ wondrous light.

O Blessed Babe, in manger stall, O Child of Love and Light

O Holy Son sent from above, Sleep peacefully tonight.

Shine brightly star of Bethlehem, So that all men may see

The King whose love will rule the world, Throughout eternity.

MUSINGS AT THE MANGER

A starlit cave – a cattle shed,

A little Babe in manger bed;

King of the Universe in rags I see,

Eternity contained in time for me.

Helpless Babe – immensity made small,

Loving response to Father’s call

To lift creation from its fall

Lamb sacrificed for us all.

Amidst the beasts on hay He rests

With simple shepherds as His guests

The little ones are His conquests

“Be meek and humble” He requests.

A new bright light through a veil

Shines on the child so frail;

Worldly wise, to comprehend this fail.

Faith alone can this mystery unveil.

The gentiles walk by the star -

The Magi with gifts come from afar;

They adore the CHILD – not royal power

Divinity made flesh as all mortals are.

Vast His kingdom but narrows its door’

Entered with care by the small and the poor

Owning naught but love absolutely pure

Passed through the crucible of trials galore.

Infant sweet, You I greet

Kneeling at your Mother’s feet;

Fill my heart with love replete,

My life with yours keeps its beat.

                              

my infant king

See dressed in Gold, white and red he stands,

A King shedding out blood and water from his side.

He stands up high with a globe in his hands,

To watch over us and to be our guide.

With sparkling eyes and a tender smile,

Stands at the door of my heart with arms open wide.

Oh gentle Jesus come and stay a while,

With you by my side, I’ll sail every tide.

Oh Infant Jesus how I run to thee,

And loose myself in your embrace.

Your perfect obedience is an example for me,

From shame and disgrace, you set me free.

Dear Jesus we honor and bless your name,

And sing your praises till all acclaim.

Infant Jesus will reign ov’r the hearts of all,

And answer us whenev’r we call.

DECEMBER 3RD.

FEAST OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER