Adoration of the Magi by El Greco via Wikimedia Commons
Jesus, many people rejoice because they have sought you and found you;
but I rejoice because you have sought and found me.
The shepherds of Bethlehem, to whom the angels appeared, were full of joy;
they heard the message and saw the glory.
But I am more joyful than the shepherds,
because I have heard the Gospel from your own lips,
and not from angels.
You said to me: ‘Come to me, and I will make your burden light.’
That is why I am more joyful than the shepherds of Bethlehem.
The wise men from the East saw the star and were happy;
they searched you out and brought you presents.
But I am happier than those wise men,
because it is you who searched me out;
you have brought me the richest present in the world, my salvation.
That is why I am happier than the wise men from the East.
Mary is blessed:
as a baby, you dwelt forty weeks in her womb.
But I am more blessed than Mary,
because, all through my life
you have dwelt in my heart, risen Christ.
That is why I am more blessed than Mary, your Mother.
Simeon the prophet rejoiced as he sang,
‘My eyes have seen your salvation.’
I have not seen you, but I have believed in you.
And since you called those happy who believe without seeing,
I have reached the peaks of contentment.
Johnson Gnanabaranam, 1933-2008, Indian Lutheran Theologian
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Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously;
let this be made known in all the earth.
Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion,
for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.
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