Georges de la Tour (1642). Joseph the Carpenter. Louvre, Paris.
"The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him" (Luke 2.40).

From the very beginning was
Your Word
Which spoke this world into being
Your Word
Which thunders from the skies
Your Word
Which flows like mountain streams
Your Word
Which whispers in morning breeze
Your Word
Revealed through kings and prophets
Your Word
Revealed through Angels' praise
Your Word
Revealed in humble service
Your Word
Revealed through a tiny child
Your Word
Alive from the beginning of all things
And to eternity.
— © John Birch, used with permission.

Prayer

We pray you, Lord, to purify our hearts that they may be worthy to become your dwelling place. Let us never fail to find room for you, but come and abide in us that we also may abide in you, who as at this time was born into the world for us, and lives and reigns, King of kings and Lord of lords, now and for evermore.
—William Temple.

WA Mozart. Litaniae Lauretanae de Beatissimae Mariae Virginae in B flat (Salzburg, 1771) K109 (74e).
Kyrie eleison, Sancta Maria, Salus infirmorum, Regina angelorum, Agnus Dei. 


Eva Mei, soprano; Elisabeth von Magnus, alto; Kurt Azesberger, tenor; Gilles Cachemaille, bass; Arnold Schoenberg Chorus with Concentus Musicus, cond. Nikolaus Harnoncourt.