CHRISTMAS APOLOGETICS: Part 4 December 25 Based on History of the Roman Empire and Patristic Testimonies

The Adoration of the Magi by Francesco Bassano

The History of the Roman Empire

St. Cyril of Jerusalem [348-356] requested that the true date of Jesus’ birth be taken from the CENSUS DOCUMENTS mentioned in Luke 2:1-7 which was brought to Rome. He reported that the date he was given after thorough research by the Church scholars out of those census documents was December 25.

Luke 2:1-7 [King James Version]

1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Unfortunately, these documents are already lost in time because the greatest library of ancient time, the Library at Alexandria, built by Catholics of Egypt was destroyed by the Moslems. But still the Catholic Church is in best position to determine the Birth of the Savior because we possessed documents during the early centuries that the Protestants now can only dream of.

The Fathers of the Church

The Testimony of St. Hyppolytus [c. 205] “For the First Coming of Our Lord in the flesh, in Bethlehem, took place December 25 in the reign of Augustus [42nd year].

The Testimony of St. Cyprian [258]: “O, how wonderfully acted Providence that on the day on which the Sun was born… Christ should be born.”

CHRISTMAS APOLOGETICS: Part 3 DECEMBER 25 Based On Calculation of the Jewish Temple Rota System in 1 Chronicle 24:7-19

The Angel Gabriel appeared before Zechariah while he was offering incense inside the Temple of God.

The Rota System of the Levites [24 Courses] found in 1 Chronicle 24:7-19

1 Chronicles 24:7-19 (King James Version)

7Now the first lot came forth to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah,

8The third to Harim, the fourth to Seorim,

9The fifth to Malchijah, the sixth to Mijamin,

10The seventh to Hakkoz, the eighth to Abijah,

11The ninth to Jeshuah, the tenth to Shecaniah,

12The eleventh to Eliashib, the twelfth to Jakim,

13The thirteenth to Huppah, the fourteenth to Jeshebeab,

14The fifteenth to Bilgah, the sixteenth to Immer,

15The seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Aphses,

16The nineteenth to Pethahiah, the twentieth to Jehezekel,

17The one and twentieth to Jachin, the two and twentieth to Gamul,

18The three and twentieth to Delaiah, the four and twentieth to Maaziah.

19These were the orderings of them in their service to come into the house of the LORD, according to their manner, under Aaron their father, as the LORD God of Israel had commanded him.

· When the Temple was destroyed in 70A the priestly course of Jehoiarib was serving. So, both the early Catholics and the Jewish scholars were competent in calculating the date of the offering to Zechariah which the Gospel of Luke specified as belonging to the turn of Abijah clan.

· The Rota System was unbroken from Zechariah [Luke 1:9] to the Destruction of the Temple under General Titus, this calculation has The Course of Abijah [Zechariah’s turn] occurring in the First Week of October. That was the time when Elizabeth conceived St. John the Baptist. The Gospel of Luke [Luke 1:36] states that 6 months later the Angel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary in Nazareth. It was then that Mary conceived the Savior. So, it must fall on March if six month after October first – the month of March.

· It means that the Feast of Annunciation chosen by the Church is also correct [March 25] and 9 months after the Virgin gave birth to the Savior of the World. St. John Chrysostom [347-407] supported this calculation of the Temple Rota System when he wrote: “December, the eight of before the calends of January [December 25] or early January – The Birthday of the Unconquered.”

SIMBANG GABI 2008: Part 2 Quarry Chapel

The lay minister and two of the servers

After the Chapel of Nazareno II the second Chapel which I served for Simbang Gabi this year is the Quarry Chapel. It is a very small Chapel that can only accommodate about 50 people inside. It is not just small but everything in it is touched by extreme simplicity which is being enriched by the treasures of faith living in the heart of the people in the are.

Choir members sitting in front

The place is called Quarry because it is situated on the foot of the mountain where quarrying for limestones is being done. The entire place is a mine of limestones that is why there are 3 major cement companies working nearby.

Poor faithful in Quarry... Poor but Rich in Faith

The Choir and their guitarist

The Lectors for Readings, Psalms and Prayer of the Faithuful

The Knights of the Altar

The Image of the Immaculate Conception on the Chapel's Altar

Did the Sheep Eat Halo-halo during Christmas? The Climate in Bethlehem during December by Jubernson Alabastro, CFD-Davao

Bethlehem's Field of Flowers during December

One pastor said that it is impossible for Christ to be born on December 25 or any day of December because it is winter and hence, there is snow. According to the gospel account in Luke 2:8, there were shepherds out in the field to keep watch over their flock; if that is the case, added this fourth magi who was probably left out by his companions who paid tribute and offered gifts to the Messiah (Matthew 2:11), it is impossible for Christ to be born on December because “SHEEP DO NOT EAT HALO-HALO! Some Protestant Pastors further claim that it is too cold for shepherds to be out that night herding their sheep. The only time when Shepherds do that, they say, is during lambing. How should Catholics answer these charges?

It is very true that December is winter time in Bethlehem or in Jerusalem. In fact, John 10:22 says that it was winter during the Feast of Dedication or Feast of the Light. The said feast is celebrated by the Jews during the 25th day of Chislev or December (1 Macc. 5:52); it marks the cleansing of the temple under the Maccabees and re-dedicating it to God and hence, it coincides with Christmas. But the problem with our Protestant friends is that, when they read that it was winter, they immediately concluded that the place must have been covered with snow! In logic, this fallacy is called the Confusion of the Absolute and Qualified Statement, that is, using a principle that is restricted in its applicability as though it were absolutely universal principle, and thus applying it to cases for which it was not intended [1] In America for example, though it is winter time during December, there are places which do not experience snow such as California. The same thing can be said about Bethlehem that although it is winter and cold, there is no snow covering the area during December. According to the International Station Meteorological Climate Summary (ISMCS,) the average temperature in Bethlehem is 49 Fahrenheit[2]. The average low i.e. during nighttime is 43 Fahrenheit[3] Therefore it is a mild winter, and not an icy winter, that occurs in Bethlehem during the month of December; so to our dearly separated brethren, the HALO-HALO argument is now a melted argument!

Christmas coincides with the Feast of Dedication or the Feast of the light of the Jewish people and for good reason: This Jewish feast has found new meaning with the birth of the Messiah as He is the True light of the world who overcomes the darkest period of man (John 1:4-7, 9 - Compare to Psalm 36:9; John 12:46; Wis 7:26; Heb. 1:3,) just as Judas Maccabees came to save the Jews during the darkest day of the year (Chislev or December 25) at the darkest time of Jewish history (1 Macc 4.) Unfortunately there are those who do not appreciate the significance of this important celebration which marks the coming of the light into our lives; the reason being as what St. John perfectly described in his epistle, “And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. (John 3:19-20)

Too cold for shepherds to go out during December night?

The issue that it is too cold for shepherds to go out during December night is partially addressed above. The temperature, as mentioned earlier, is tolerable for shepherds to withstand the coldness of the night. Moreover, Harper's Encyclopedia of Bible Life [(C) 1971, pg. 7] explains that what is unique about Israel’s weather is that, winter season is NOT the “dead” season when plants die because of low temperature. On the contrary, it is the time of year when dormant vegetations are revived after the “dead” season of summer by the intermittent winter rains starting in mid-October and ending in mid-March. This being the case, and considering that the surrounding land just went through the dry season, depriving the sheep of sufficient food for months, it is very likely and logical that the shepherds would let their sheep out in the field during this season of revived vegetation so as to feed their flock.

Furthermore whether it is dry or winter season is irrelevant because the Shepherd’s job continue nevertheless, even during cold and sleepless nights:

Gen 31:40 How often the scorching heat ravaged me by day, and the frost by night, while sleep fled from my eyes!

The reason why shepherds must remain on guard regardless of the season is because of the dangers that his sheep and goats might encounter:

1 Sam. 17:34-35 Then David told Saul: Your servant used to tend his father's sheep, and whenever a lion or bear came to carry off a sheep from the flock, (35) I would go after it and attack it and rescue the prey from its mouth. If it attacked me, I would seize it by the jaw, strike it, and kill it.

Isaiah 31:4 Thus says the LORD to me: As a lion or a lion cub growling over its prey, With a band of shepherds assembled against it, Is neither frightened by their shouts nor disturbed by their noise, So shall the LORD of hosts come down to wage war upon the mountain and hill of Zion.

Jeremiah 5:6 Therefore lions from the forest slay them, wolves of the desert ravage them, Leopards keep watch round their cities: all who come out are torn to pieces For their many crimes and their numerous rebellions.

Amos 3:12 Thus says the LORD: As the shepherd snatches from the mouth of the lion a pair of legs or the tip of an ear of his sheep, So the Israelites who dwell in Samaria shall escape with the corner of a couch or a piece of a cot.

Aside from these dangers, shepherds must constantly guide their sheep because they do not possess the same instinct that other animals have. For example:

Sheep are helpless and have to be led to their food by their shepherd. The love of God for His people is likened to a shepherd’s love for his flock.

Psalm 23:1-2 A psalm of David. I The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. (2) In green pastures you let me graze; to safe waters you lead me;

Numbes 27:17 who shall act as their leader in all things, to guide them in all their actions; that the LORD'S community may not be like sheep without a shepherd. (Compare with John 10)

Sheep do not also know their way home and must be led again by the shepherds.

Ezekiel 34:6-8 and wandered over all the mountains and high hills; my sheep were scattered over the whole earth, with no one to look after them or to search for them. (7) Therefore, shepherds, hear the word of the LORD: (8) As I live, says the Lord GOD, because my sheep have been given over to pillage, and because my sheep have become food for every wild beast, for lack of a shepherd; because my shepherds did not look after my sheep, but pastured themselves and did not pasture my sheep;

Ezekiel 34:12 As a shepherd tends his flock when he finds himself among his scattered sheep, so will I tend my sheep. I will rescue them from every place where they were scattered when it was cloudy and dark.

These people who argue that it is too cold for shepherds going out during the night of December and that the watching of flocks at nighttime is done only during lambing, are not true “Pastors” in the biblical sense of the word! Otherwise they would have known the responsibility required of a true shepherd! These people are hired men who will leave the sheep behind once a wolf comes in (John 10:12-13; Isaiah 56:10-11; Ezek. 34:8,10; Zec. 11:15,17)

Not Celebrating Christmas, totally new?

Is the practice of not celebrating Christmas totally new? There is an interesting meaning I found out why St. John wrote “winter” in John 10:22 which might explain the “dissenting opinion” in celebrating Christmas. The following were taken from The Great commentary of Cornelius à Lapide on John 10:22:

“St. Cyril said, “winter” was said in order to give the reason why Jesus walked in the Porch (John 10:23), so as to be under cover or stay away from the cold. Mystically there is here signified (says the Gloss) the coldness of the Jews, who draw not near to the fire, i.e. who believe not in Christ.

St.Augustine says, "The Jews were cold in charity and love, and were burning with eagerness to do hurt; they approached Him not as followers, but pressed on Him as persecutors." "Do thou also," says Theophylact, "while it is winter, that is while this present life is shaken with the whirlwinds of iniquity, keep the spiritual dedication feast, by daily renewing thyself, and by ordering the ascensions of thy heart." Christ will be present to thee in Solomon's Porch, making for thee a peaceable resting-place.

The Halo-halo argument reflects the coldness of hearts that some of our Protestant brethrens have in not welcoming our Savior into the world and their burning desire to discredit the bride of Christ, the Catholic Church. It is the same attitude shown by the Jews during the Feast of Dedication. It is the same experience that Jesus underwent in looking for a place to stay during his birth. In other words, it is the same cold December breeze that greeted our Lord in those two events! Yes my dear brethren, rejecting Christmas is not totally a new thing! To borrow one of our brethren’s favorite expressions, it is in fact, “WRITTEN!’ It is written that THE FIRST CHRISTMAS WAS A REJECTION OF CHRISTMAS!

Luke 2:7 and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Matthew 2:16 When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi. May we not reject our Lord in His very special day, the way he was rejected at his first coming. May we welcome the light into our hearts so that we too might walk in the light (John 12:35) and become the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). As we walk in the light, may the Holy Spirit dwell into our body, His temple, and cleanse it from the different pagan gods of pride, avarice, envy, wrath, lust, gluttony, and sloth just as Judas Maccabees cleansed the Jewish temple of its pagan gods.

MAY ALL OF YOU HAVE A BLESSED MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR! GOD LOVES YOU!

References:

Christmas in the Spring? - A look at a few of the Protestant arguments against Christ being born in December.

http://www.catholicapologetics.net/christmas_in_the_spring.htm

Harper's Encyclopedia of Bible Life (C) 1971

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

All scriptural citations are from the New American Bible (C) 1987

The Great Commentary of Cornelius Lapide

Suggested Readings:

THE DATE OF CHRIST'S BIRTH Critical Examination by Brother Bruno Bonnet-Eymard

http://www.catholicapologetics.net/christmass.htm

Choosing the Date of Christmas:Why is Christmas Celebrated on December 25? By David Bennett

http://www.ancient-future.net/christmasdate.html

All About Christmas

http://www.churchyear.net/christmas.html

Calculating Christmas

http://touchstonemag.com/archives/article.php?id=16-10-012-v

THE ANTICHRIST AT THE MANGER By T.L.FRAZIER

http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/1993/9312fea1.asp

The Idea of Christ Being Born on a "Midnight Clear” Has A "Apocrypha" Connection.

http://www.catholicapologetics.net/Christmas_song.htm

Is God Against Christmas? By Raymond L. Cox

http://www.ewtn.com/library/ANSWERS/ISGODAGI.HTM

ADDENDUM by Fr. Abe Arganiosa, CRS

It is also to be noted that December is perfect for Shepherds to guard their sheep because it is lambing season. And the Jewish shepherds were and still are very careful to guard their sheep during the lambing season because they have make it sure that lambs are born without defects and that injury to the ewes must be avoided. Otherwise, they will no longer be pleasing to God for Sacrifices and for Passover Meals.

Here comes the perfect harmony between Nature and the Divine Plan of God and the Liturgy of the Church: JESUS CHRIST -- THE LAMB OF GOD -- WAS BORN IN THE CLIMAX OF THE LAMBING SEASON.

The claims of Iglesia ni Cristo [INC] pastors and that of Eliseo Soriano that it is impossible for Jesus to be born in December because during this Season the Field of Bethlehem is covered with snow is actually based on Practical Ignorance of the Geography and Climate of the Holy Land. For further evidence here are the links for You Tube Videos showing Bethlehem during Christmas Season from Bro. Jub Alabastro:

Christmas Celebrations in Bethlehem, December 24 2007 ---

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5EKV6j7uFUWatch

and again,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6Y3r1vUTEA&feature=related

[1] Introduction to Logic by Fr. Andrew Bachhuber S.J. 1957 edition p. 184

[2] http://www.catholicapologetics.net/images/avtemp.jpg

[3] http://www.catholicapologetics.net/images/Avlowtemp.jpg

CHRISTMAS APOLOGETICS: Part 2 DECEMBER 25 Based on Judaeo-Christian Feast of Light, not on Pagan Worship of the Sol Invictus

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN AND THE JEWISH FESTIVAL OF LIGHT

John 1:9 “That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.”

Jesus is declared by early Christians, following the SACRED SCRIPTURES, as THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.

Unknown to many, December 25 [which for the Jews starts in the evening of December 24 and continues for 8 days until January 1.] is the Feast of the KISLEV– THE JEWISH FESTIVAL OF LIGHT which originated from the Purification of the Temple during the time of Judas Maccabees who is a ‘type’ of Christ who came into this world to purify and sanctify us from sins. [cf. “Feast” in Merrill C. Tenney & Alexander Cruden, The Handy Bible Dictionary & Concordance. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Lampligher Books, Zondervan Publishing House, 1983. p. 55-56.]

Philippine Version of Christmas Lantern called 'Parol' which means 'Light' or 'Guiding Light' as in Parola.

The early Catholics were led by the Apostles who were Jews, thus they were affected by their Jewish customs of honoring God. The early Catholics found it appropriate to commemorate the Lord’s coming into the world in the Festival of Light wherein thousands of believers were joining in a solemn procession carrying candles and torches toward the Temple. The Bible clearly teaches that after the Ascension of the Lord the Apostles continued going into the Temple and worshipping there [Acts 3:1]. When the Temple was destroyed the Christians continued these lightings of candles in their homes, chapels and churches every December 24-25 to welcome the coming of the Messiah into their lives. Thus, the Jewish Festival of Light later became a Catholic Festival in honor of Jesus the Light of the World.

Christmas Candles glowing in the dark, manifesting Christ's triumph over darkness and evil. God is the Light of Men.

SIMBANG GABI 2008: Part 1 The Chapel of Nazareno II

The faithful of Towerville in Nazareno Chapel II, strong in faith in a makeshift prayer house.

Many people are thinking that we priests are just enjoying ourselves during these Season, that we simply have fun and vacation. So, I want you to enter into the activities of a simple priest from the province so that you will have a glimpse of our services to the people of God.

The commentator serving while the choir members almost literally sit on the floor and the children. The walls of the chapel is made of used woods from an old building somewhere.

During Simbang Gabi season, we are almost consumed like a libation. We start the say celebrating two Masses early in the morning at 3:30-5:30am. Then after the Mass we cannot simply rest. Our faithful are rushing to us asking for blessings, pray over, the relatives and close friends waiting for a chat and once you finally settle to take breakfast, the parish priests shall determine the course of the day in the parish by meeting the various leaders of his parish. Then at the evening, we usually celebrate 3 more Masses from 5:30-9:30pm.

The first and second Readers proclaiming the Word to the attentive faithful. Simbang Gabi is always a punishing schedule for all of us. We are always on the move from one chapel to another that mostly separated by ricefields, sugarcane plantations or in our case here in San Jose del Monte, hills just like Judea. And each chapel is filled to overflowing from the pews to the standing room only till the nearby roads leading to the chapel or parish. If others are having problem how to lure people to the Church, our is how to handle too much worshippers.

These very young boys serving as Knights of the Altar. They are very young but very dedicated. They are still under training and not yet so sure of their movements. The guy sitting near them is Bro. Jun, the lay ministe of Nazareno I and the moving spirit for the establishement of Nazareno II Chapel. The last time I celebrated Mass in this place on top of the hill the chapel was not yet on this site. They informed me that the previous site was transformed into a public school and this is the new lot given for the Catholic Chapel. Well, that's good, the people of Towerville are blessed with 3 beautiful and large public schools but only two small chapels for the Catholic Church. These Chapels are important for the faithful in the area because the heretical and schismatic Catholic Apostolic Church is having its presence in the area. But they are failing to take a solid hold on the area. We will not allow and our parish priest, Rev. Fr. Virgilio Ramos, is a pastoral fighter on that regard. Celebrating Masses in this Chapel gives you an air of a real manger. It is so simple and poor but the faith of the people is far stronger than those who are blessed with a beautiful structure.

CHRISTMAS APOLOGETICS: THE BIBLICAL FOUNDATION FOR DECEMBER 25 AS THE BIRTH OF OUR LORD! Part 1 The Desire of All Nations

* This argument for the Biblical Foundation of December 25 based on the Prophecy of Haggai actually came from Bro. Mars Llasos, one of the premier Catholic Apologists in the Philippines. Further details and analysis have been added by Fr. Abe, CRS to support his interpretation of the Biblical text of the Prophet Haggai which is actually universally acclaimed in the liturgical life of both Catholics and Protestants. Our gratitude to our beloved and much admired Atty. Marwil Llasos.

The Adoration of the Magi by Fra Angelico

* Please bear in mind that the date Dec. 25 is not considered by the Catholic Church as the exact date of the Birth of the Messiah. We don’t know exactly the date of the Lord’s Birth. However, the Catholic Church has chosen Dec. 25-January 6 as the celebration of the Nativity of the Lord not because of the pagan festival honoring the Sun-God but because of Biblical and Historical Reasons testified by the early Christian authors and documents. Here are some of those reasons:

The Prophecy of the Prophet Haggai

Haggai 2:7-10 (King James Version)

7And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. 8The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts. 9The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts. 10In the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying,

Take note that Haggai 2:7 prophesied that “The desire of all nations will come”. Who is the desire of all nations? THE MESSIAH. This is undoubtedly a Messianic prophecy. And both Protestants and Catholics recognize this. In fact, Protestants immortalized this belief in their classic Christmas songs composed by Charles Wesley – the co-founder of Methodist Church. One of those citations is found in the lyrics of HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING:

“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” is a Christmas hymn or carol written by Charles Wesley, the brother of John Wesley and his co-founder of Methodist Church and, by implication, all of the many denominations that flowed out of the revival that was Methodism.

This great hymn of the Faith first appeared in a work entitled Hymns and Sacred Poems in 1739. The original opening couplet was “Hark! how all the welkin rings / Glory to the King of Kings”. The version known today is the result of alterations by various hands, most notably George Whitfield, Wesley’s co-worker, who changed the opening couplet to the familiar one we know today. [Source: Wikipedia]

Hark! The herald angels sing,

“Glory to the newborn King;

Peace on earth, and mercy mild,

God and sinners reconciled!”

Joyful, all ye nations rise,

Join the triumph of the skies;

With th’angelic host proclaim,

“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”

Refrain

Hark! The herald angels sing,

“Glory to the newborn King!”

Christ, by highest Heav’n adored;

Christ the everlasting Lord;

Late in time, behold Him come,

Offspring of a virgin’s womb.

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;

Hail th’incarnate Deity,

Pleased with us in flesh to dwell,

Jesus our Emmanuel.

Refrain

Hail the heav’nly Prince of Peace!

Hail the Sun of Righteousness!

Light and life to all He brings,

Ris’n with healing in His wings.

Mild He lays His glory by,

Born that man no more may die.

Born to raise the sons of earth,

Born to give them second birth.

Refrain

Come, Desire of nations, come,

Fix in us Thy humble home;

Rise, the woman’s conqu’ring Seed,

Bruise in us the serpent’s head.

Now display Thy saving power,

Ruined nature now restore;

Now in mystic union join

Thine to ours, and ours to Thine.

Refrain

Adam’s likeness, Lord, efface,

Stamp Thine image in its place:

Second Adam from above,

Reinstate us in Thy love.

Let us Thee, though lost, regain,Thee,

the Life, the inner man:

O, to all Thyself impart,

Formed in each believing heart.

Refrain

Fr. Abe and Bro. Franz answering questions about Christmas in The Splendor of the Church TV program

It is very obvious that John Wesley cited the prophecy of the Prophet Haggai almost verbatim and at the same time admitted that Jesus is the Seed of the Woman referred to by God the Father in Genesis 3:15. Thus, the head of Methodist Church accepted the Catholic position that the Proto-Evangelion [Gen 3:15] is actually a prophecy referring to Jesus [The Woman’s Seed], Mary [The Woman], Satan [The Serpent] and Sin [The Serpent’s Seed].

Another Christmas Hymn of Charles Wesley:

Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788

Music: Rowland H. Pritchard;

harm. from The English Hymnal

Tune: HYFRYDOL, Meter: 87.87 D

1. Come, thou long expected Jesus,

born to set thy people free;

from our fears and sins release us,

let us find our rest in thee.

Israel's strength and consolation,

hope of all the earth thou art;

dear desire of every nation,

joy of every longing heart.

2. Born thy people to deliver,

born a child and yet a King,

born to reign in us forever,

now thy gracious kingdom bring.

By thine own eternal spirit

rule in all our hearts alone;

by thine all sufficient merit,

raise us to thy glorious throne

· Note 1: The English speaking Roman Catholics are also singing this song in their Liturgical Prayers. This is contained in the Volume 1 [ADVENT SEASON] of the Roman Breviary in English for priests, religious and the consecrated persons.

· Note 2: The Roman Catholics are also expressing the same thoughts in their liturgical prayers. For instance, the much beloved Hymn for Advent Liturgy: O COME, O COME EMMANUEL. This Hymn is written originally in Latin [12th century] but the English translation used by both Lutherans and English speaking Catholics is the one done by John Neal, published in 1854. It also recognizes Jesus = The Emmanuel as “The Desire of the Nations”. Lutherans testify to this belief in their classic and internationally famous Hymnal:

The favourite O Come, O Come Emmanuel carol was originally written in Latin text in the 12th Century. The author of the words and composer to the music of O Come, O Come Emmanuel is unknown. It is, however believed that the melody was of French origin and added to the text a hundred years later. The Latin was translated into English by John Mason Neale in 1851.

Music: Veni Em­man­u­el, from a 15th Cen­tu­ry pro­cess­ion­al of French Fran­cis­can nuns (the set­ting for the fu­ner­al hymn Libera me); ar­ranged by Thom­as Hel­more in the Hymnal Not­ed, Part II (Lon­don: 1856).

The lyrics echo a num­ber of pro­phet­ic themes. The ti­tle comes from the well known Isai­ah 7:14: “Be­hold, a vir­gin shall con­ceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Im­man­u­el.” Im­man­u­el is He­brew for “God with us.” The “Rod of Jesse” refers to Isai­ah 11:1: “There shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jes­se”; Jesse was the fa­ther of Da­vid, se­cond king of Is­ra­el. “Day-Spring” comes from Za­cha­ri­as, fa­ther of John the Bap­tist, in Luke 1:78: “The day­spring from on high has vis­it­ed us.” “Thou Key of Da­vid” is in Isai­ah 22:22: “The key of the house of Da­vid will I lay up­on his shoul­der,” which in turn re­fers to Isai­ah 9:6 “The gov­ern­ment shall be up­on His shoul­der.” The ‘Desire of the Nations’ of course is Haggai 2:7

O, Come, O, Come Emmanuel

Translated: John Mason Neale, 1818-66

O, come, O, come, Emmanuel,

And ransom captive Israel,

That mourns in lonely exile here

Until the Son of God appear.

Refrain:

Rejoice! Rejoice! O Israel,

to thee shall come Emmanuel

O, come, our Wisdom from on high,

Who ordered all things mightily;

To us the path of knowledge show,

and teach us in her ways to go. [Refrain]

O, come, O, come, our Lord of might,

Who to your tribes on Sinai's height

In ancient times gave holy law,

In cloud and majesty and awe. [Refrain]

O, come O Rod of Jesse's stem,

From ev'ry foe deliver them

That trust your mighty pow'r to save;

Bring them in vict'ry through the grave. [Refrain]

O, come, O Key of David, come,

And open wide our heav'nly home;

Make safe the way that leads on high,

And close the path to misery. [Refrain]

O, come, our Dayspring from on high,

And cheer us by your drawing nigh,

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,

And death's dark shadows put to flight. [Refrain]

O, come, Desire of nations, bind

In one the hearts of all mankind;

O, bid our sad divisions cease,

And be yourself our King of Peace. [Refrain]

Hymn # 31 from Lutheran Worship

Author: French Processional

Tune: Veni Emmanuel

1st Published in: 1854

Bro. Franz in Splendor of the Church

* Note 3: Another popular hymn which is purely Catholic in origin also expresses the belief that Jesus is ‘The Desire of the Nations’.

O Come, Divine Messiah!

Words: Abbé Simon J. Pellegrin, 1663-1745

English Translation of French Carol Venez Divin Messie

Translator: Sister Mary of St. Philip, SND

1. O come, divine Messiah!

The world in silence waits the day

When hope shall sing its triumph,

And sadness flee away.

2. Dear Savior haste;

Come, come to earth,

Dispel the night and show your face,

And bid us hail the dawn of grace.

3. O come, divine Messiah!

The world in silence waits the day

When hope shall sing its triumph,

And sadness flee away.

4. O Christ, whom nations sigh for,

Whom priest and prophet long foretold,

Come break the captive fetters;

Redeem the long-lost fold.

5. Dear Savior haste;

Come, come to earth,

Dispel the night and show your face,

And bid us hail the dawn of grace.

6. O come, divine Messiah!

The world in silence waits the day

When hope shall sing its triumph,

And sadness flee away.

7. You come in peace and meekness,

And lowly will your cradle be;

All clothed in human weakness

Shall we your Godhead see.

8. Dear Savior haste;

Come, come to earth,

Dispel the night and show your face,

And bid us hail the dawn of grace.

9. O come, divine Messiah!

The world in silence waits the day

When hope shall sing its triumph,

And sadness flee away.

This is a popular Advent hymn. It is often heard today in conservative and more traditional Catholic churches and in the Hymns for Advent in the volume 1 of the Christian Prayers or Breviary for Advent Season.

Haggai also wrote that God the Father promised that He will fill His House with Glory… That house is the Church as stated by St. Paul to Timothy [1 Timothy 3:15]. Thus, only the Catholic Church glories in the coming of the Messiah. We are the only one who joins the Angels, The Shepherds, The Magi and Mary with Joseph in having Blessed Happiness at the celebration of the Lord’s Birth. If there are Protestant groups doing so they only followed and imitated the Christmas celebrations of the Catholic Church. The Orthodox Christmas celebrations are actually Catholic Traditions since they were previously united to the See of Rome.

Haggai 2:8 God stresses that silver and gold belong to Him. So we honor the Lord by decorating the Church and our houses with silver bells and golden decors during the commemoration of the Lord’s Birth. It also corresponds to the fact that when Jesus was born gold was offered to him by the Wise Men [cf. Matthew 2:11].

Haggai 2:9 The glory of the Church is greater than the glory of Israel because the Church is Universal while Israel is but a single nation. And, Israel is the keeper of the Promise while the Church is the recepient of its Fulfillment.

The Nativity by El Greco

WHEN WILL THE DESIRE OF THE NATIONS COME?

Haggai 2:10 “In the four and 20th day of the ninth month” [Please bear in mind that the original Bible has no Chapters and Verses, they were such when the Council Fathers, the Bishops gathered in Nicaea in year 325 debated the celebration date for Christmas. So, the passage “In the 4 and 20th day of the ninth month” could be attached to Haggai 2:7-9 while “In the second year of Darius, came the word of the Lord by Haggai” could be another sentence.]

Now The Jewish Calendar starts in the month of Nisan [March-April, cf. ‘Passover’ in “Feasts”, J.D. Douglas & Merrill C. Tenney, NIV Compact Dictionary of the Bible. Grand Rapids Michigan: Zondervan Corporation, Philippine Ed., p. 201.]. From Nisan [March-April] the 9th month falls to our DECEMBER. So, following this prophecy the Messiah will come into the House of God on 24th of December. Thus, the First Celebration of Christmas starts at the Solemn High Mass on eve of December 24 midnight.

Bro. Franz and Prof. Elmer Valenzuela, who joined us during the Special Program for Christmas Apologetics in Splendor of the Church

WHY MIDNIGHT?

Because another Biblical prophecy states that the Word of God, the Logos will come on earth on MIDNIGHT.

Wisdom 18:14-15 “For when gentle silence enveloped all things, and NIGHT IS IN ITS SWIFTCOURSE WAS NOW HALF-SPENT, Your all-powerful WORD LEAPED FROM HEAVEN, FROM THE ROYAL THRONE, into the midst of the land that was doomed, a stern warrior.” [New Revised Standard Version, cf. Revised Standard Version and New American Bible]

In Filipino: “Payapa at tahimik ang lahat, NANGANGALAHATI NA ANG GABI…” [Magandang Balita Biblia]

This prophecy is accepted by Protestants because they adapted it in their prayers and worship as testified by their traditional song which is universally acclaimed:

It Came Upon A Midnight Clear!

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear was written by Edmund Hamilton Sears in 1849. The carol started life as a poem written by its author who was a minister living in Massachusetts at the time. The music for It Came Upon A Midnight Clear was composed by American musician Richard Storrs Willis in 1859 who was inspired by the words of the poem.

It came upon the midnight clear,

That glorious song of old,

From angels bending near the earth,

To touch their harps of gold:

"Peace on the earth, goodwill to men

From heavens all gracious King!

"The world in solemn stillness lay

To hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come,

With peaceful wings unfurled;

And still their heavenly music floats

O'er all the weary world:

Above its sad and lowly plains

They bend on hovering wing,

And ever o'er its Babel sounds

The blessed angels sing.

O ye beneath life's crushing load,

Whose forms are bending low,

Who toil along the climbing way

With painful steps and slow;

Look now, for glad and golden hours

Come swiftly on the wing;

Oh rest beside the weary road

And hear the angels sing.

For lo! the days are hastening on,

By prophets seen of old,

When with the ever-circling years

Shall come the time foretold,

When the new heaven and earth shall own

The Prince of Peace, their King,

And the whole world send back the song

Which now the angels sing.

For Jewish culture, evening belongs to another day already and for Roman and Modern culture, midnight starts a new day. So the Birth of the Messiah falls on Midnight of December 24-25.

DEFENSORES FIDEI FOUNDATION SPONSORED FIRST NATIONAL APOLOGETIC CONVENTION 2008, Part 5 The Ad Orientem Novus Ordo Mass

The Queen-Mother is once again enthroned in the Holy Mass which was the culminating part of the Apologetic Convention.

Just like the Apologetic Seminars of the previous years, this Convention was concluded with the Holy Mass which is the highest form of worship and adoration of God in the Catholic Church. And, just like the previous year, this Mass is a Novus Ordo Mass celebrated in Latin and Ad Orientem, i.e., the priests facing the Altar rather than the Lord Jesus.

Bros. Miguel, Gerald Cenir, Ryan Mejillano and Caloy Palad gave royal dignity to the celebration of the Holy Mass by serving as acolytes. Fr. Cayo Estrada served as Master of the Ceremony, I was concelebrant and Bishop Emeritus Angel Hobayan of Samar presided.

From the previous schedule of 11:00am the Mass started at almost 12:00nn yet nobody left or complained. Everybody joined in the celebration in silent adoration while faithfully responding through the Latin and English texts distributed for the laity.

Before the Mass I was so delighted to see Sem. Mark Bunag again, who is now serving as Master of Ceremonies in TLM celebrations in St. Jerome Parish in Alabang. I've been told that our TLM in Alabang is so successful so that the regular 3 Masses of SSPX in Our Lady of Victory is now reduced to 1 and even that one is no longer filled with people unlike before that it was overflowing with people. Good for them!

Before the Mass, I was also informed by Bro. Gerald Cenir, our thurifer that day, that this St. John the Baptist Parish is his own home parish. It is a marvelous church, spacious, the retablo of the Altar is designed with golden colors and the stained glasses glitter that sunny day.

Another blessing that I have received from the Lord that Mass was meeting for the first time one of the founding fathers of Defensores Fidei -- Digoy Fernandez. He was there at the further end of the pews alone because he came late but joined the celebration with silent adoration from afar. He immediately smiled at me and I did the same and greeted: "Father Abe!" and I responded: "Digoy! Finally, I've met you!" It was so wonderful to have them with us during that memorable day for the Church and for the Lord.

During the entire Mass, I was really very much concerned with Bishop Hobayan. The letters of the Latin Missal was large enough for us younger priests but quite small for his age-stricken eyes. He was having difficulty reading. After the Mass he told me: "You know Latin very well." I told him that my proficiency is due to regular practice since I am celebrating the TLM in Sorsogon every Sunday.

After the Mass as if nobody wanted to leave. We had picture takings and informal chat with seminar participants. They still had questions to ask; they were asking for photo shots with the apologists. The moment was so magical but real; people who in-loved with the Holy Mother Church are gathered together in one common bond of unity.

After the Mass, we gathered once again at the Session Hall for the lunch break of Jollibee Chicken Joy. I was sitting in-between Bro. Henry Siy and Bishop Hobayan. Then Sis. Pilar Versoza, the head of Pro-Life Philippines arrived and greeted our Chairman and leaders. I was so delighted to see her. The last time I saw her we were still studying Philosophy at Don Bosco, Canlubang. She was our guest speaker in a Pro-Life Seminar and since then she was instrumental in opening my mind to Pro-Life issues, particularly the evil of Abortions and Contraceptions.

After the lunchbreak, we proceeded to Regency Park Subdvision for the Christmas Party of the Defensores Fidei. Bro. Ryan already transferred his things in our vehicle and joined me in the car. We will report about it next time. My camera battery was blinking then so I failed to take pictures of the Christmas Party. I only relied on the shots from Bro. Ryan.

Cantor Felix Valenzuela added solemnity to the celebration by singing beautifully the Sacred Hymns.

Sis. Shirley Monreal is shown here giving an angelic rendition of Ave Maria and Panis Angelicus.