Christ is Born!

"Dear Brothers and Sisters, how great a gift it is to be part of a communion which is open to everyone! It is the communion of the Most Holy Trinity, from whose heart Emmanuel, Jesus, “God with us”, came into the world. Like the shepherds of Bethlehem, let us contemplate, filled with wonder and gratitude, this mystery of love and light! Happy Christmas to all!"

Pope Benedict XVI Christmas 2009




Still, still, still
"Salzburger Volkslieder" Salzburg, 1819

Still, still, still,Weil's Kindlein schlafen will.
Die Englein tun schön jubilieren,
Bei dem Kripplein musizieren.
Still, still, still,Weil's Kindlein schlafen will.

Schlaf, schlaf, schlaf,Mein liebes Kindlein schlaf!
Maria tut dich niedersingen
Und ihr treues Herz darbringen.
Schlaf, schlaf, schlaf,Mein liebes Kindlein schlaf!

Groß, groß, großDie Lieb ist übergroß!
Gott hat den Himmelsthron verlassen
Und muss reisen auf der Straßen.
Groß, groß, großDie Lieb' ist übergroß.

Wir, wir, wir,Tun rufen all zu dir:
Tu uns des Himmels Reich aufschließen,
Wenn wir einmal sterben müssen.
Wir, wir, wir,Wir rufen all zu dir.

Still, still, still From Salzburg, 1819
Literal English translation -

Still, still, still,'
Cause baby wants to sleep.
The angels jubilate beautifully,
By the manger making music.
Still, still, still,'Cause baby wants to sleep.

Sleep, sleep, sleep,
My dear babe sleep!
Maria sings you a lullaby
And brings you her true heart.
Sleep, sleep, sleep,My dear babe sleep!

Great, great, great,
The love is more than great!
God has left his throne
And must go by road.
Great, great, great,The love is more than great.

We, we, we,
All do call out to you:
Open heaven's realm to us,
If we must die one day.
We, we, we,We all call out to you.


Manger Scene from St. Ignatius Church, San Francisco, photo by Hector Vasquez