Thanks to KP for pointing me toward this. Williams spends time on some of John of the Cross’ Christmas poems. Here’s an excerpt:
The birth of Jesus, in which that power which holds the universe together in coherence takes shape in history as a single human body and soul, is an event of cosmic importance. It announces that creation as a whole has found its purpose and meaning, and that the flowing together of all things for the joyful transfiguration of our humanity is at last made visible on earth.
Sometimes Luther just doesn’t get the props he deserves for his catholic vision of Salvation, seen especially in hymns like Savior of the Nations. The 3rd verse, the most cosmic, is especially beautiful to me.
Savior of the nations, come!
Virgin’s Son, make here your home.
Marvel now, both heaven and earth,
that the Lord chose such a birth.
Wondrous birth! Oh wondrous child
of the Virgin undefiled!
Mighty God and Mary’s son,
eager now his race to run!
Thus on earth the Word appears,
gracing his created spheres;
hence to death and hell descends,
then the heavenly throne ascends.
Come, O Father’s saving Son,
who o’er sin the victory won.
Boundless shall your kingdom be;
grant that we its glories see.
We here wish all of you a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Love,
the Land of Unlikeness
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