JERUSALEM: DECEMBER 24 - THEN
Obeying the edict of Caesar Augustus, all Roman Citizens go and register
their names in the capital of their country. In Israel, thousands of
people left today for the long trip for Jerusalem. Amongst them a young
couple Joseph and Mary. Mary was pregnant so she rode on the donkey for
most of the trip.
In late afternoon Mary and Joseph looked for an inn to rest for the night
but all were filled to capacity. Joseph, concerned about Mary's condition,
walked the donkey south west towards Betlehem. Mary in the meantime is
showing signs that she's ready to deliver her baby.......
DECEMBER 24 - TODAY
In Betlehem today the Patriarch of Jerusalem leaves Jerusalem and follows
the old road that leads to Betlehem. Following him are a host of
ambassadors of various nations. As soon as they reach the grave of
Rachele,
a man fires some fireworks and the altar boys come out to greet the
Patriarch.
In Germany some peasants go to church carrying a post with an illuminated
star at its end. They raise these illuminated stars while singing
Christmas
Carols.
In Switzerland, a young girl dressed as St Lucy in white dress and a crown
of holly and mistletoe is accompanied by lots of children carrying a
candle.
They go around from house to house while people come out to greet them.
In Norway they put bird seeds on the window sill to feed the birds who
can't
find too much food because of the snow..... Let's go back and see what's
happening to Mary and Joseph.
DECEMBER 24 - THEN
They kept looking but were not successful. Finally an inn keeper, seeing
Mary's condition, offered them to use the stable next to the inn. It's
rather cold but they sit on the hay away from the draft and close to the
animals for warmth. They needed a rest and will let them rest for a while.
DECEMBER 24 - TODAY
In Malta several years ago, the peasants used to go around the streets
in the evening playing flutes and drums filling the towns and villages with
the Christmas joy..... hold on, something is happening in Betlehem....
BACK TO THE STABLE - MIDNIGHT
Lots of light can be seen in and around the stable.... When the "Gloria"
is sung at the Christmas Mass, the lights are also turned on, the bells
ring and the organ announces the joy of the moment.
A Baby is born to Mary.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,
keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, So, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the
Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good
tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which
is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in
swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host
praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
CHRISTMAS DAY TODAY
In Betlehem too, the light illuminating a Star over the altar is turned on
while the choir sings: " Iesu Redemptor Omnium ". The Patriarch leads a
procession carrying a beautiful statue of Baby Jesus wrapped in white linen
with a golden fringe and he puts it on a large silver star on the exact
spot where according to tradition, Christ was born.......
......while in Malta the festivities are proceeding. The processions,
the singing and the organ announcing the joyous event. The kids sing:
Ninni la tibkix izjed
ninni Gesu' Bambin
hallieh ghalina 'l biki
ghax ahna midinbin.
Those were the news of THEN and NOW. To each and everyone of you, to our
beautiful homeland and her beautiful people, a very Merry Christmas and may
the tiny hands of Baby Jesus bless us all.
Love to all u
IL-MILIED IT-TAJJEB!
Alfred
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