This time of
preparation to celebrate Christmas is a time of making decorations and
gifts. That is how it was,
traditionally, and that is what some are encouraging us to rediscover
again. Certainly, I appreciate receiving
hand-made, home-made Christmas cards – the thought and work that went into
designing and making something. And
certain Christmas works of art made by my children will be treasured for years
to come.
The sixth and
penultimate Advent Antiphon is ‘O Rex Gentium’ or ‘O King of the nations.’ It speaks of Jesus as the one who fashioned
the human race from clay, and hints of the creative impulse of those made in
the likeness of a Creator, a creative impulse that is shaped both by the
condition of living divided from God and neighbour and by the salvation Christ
brings with his coming.
I have set this prayer
at the craft box. You might get out
coloured pencils and write it out – or even clay and inscribe it – or simply
meditate on it while making a gift or decoration.
O Rex Gentium
O King of the nations,
and their desire,
the cornerstone making
both one:
Come and save the human
race,
which you fashioned
from clay.
Advent:
making room for Jesus – in the craft box.
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