Praying the Christmas Prayers of the Mystics for Advent: Preparing for the Charm of Christmas Morning (Part II)

Joe Colletti, PhD
Society of Urban Monks
December 9, 2017 

–slowly savor the sweet sentiments of one of the prayers right now- 

The intimate, sweet, and tender language expressed by mystics to God concerning Christmas, can cultivate a calm and caring Christmas charm if we allow it. 

So, slowly savor the sweet sentiments of one of the prayers right now during the season of Advent, which encourages readings, reflections, and responses during this time of commemoration of the birth of Christ on Christmas morning. 

You are also encouraged to use the practice of the antiphon by praying a noted portion of the prayer in the beginning and end of the prayer to help cultivate an intimate, sweet, and tender mystical moment between you and God. 

Antiphon: 

I thank and adore Thy tender limbs and
Thy tender hands and feet, and I praise the inexpressible love
which didst draw Thou forth from the bosom of the Heavenly Father.

-St. Gertrude the Great- 

Greetings to the Child Jesus 

Hail, most loving little Jesus, sweetest love, far above all created love!
I greet Thee, and in the desires of all Christendom I embrace Thee.
Hail, most charming little Jesus, noble Child of Nazareth,
full rose of Jericho, blooming flower from Heaven!
Draw our hearts to Thyself and refresh them with Thy sweetness. 

Hail, most lovable little Jesus, living Bread of Bethlehem,
innocent Lamb of Jerusalem,
newly-born King of Judea!
Receive us into the number of Thy chosen servants.
Hail, most beautiful little Jesus,
watchful Shepherd of the heavenly sheep,
beloved fellow-Brother of all the children of men,

delicate flower planted by the Holy Spirit
in the virgin heart of Mary, bright daybreak rising
out of the dark night to the joy of the whole earth!
Drive away from us the darkness of sin.

Glory and praise be to Thee, tender, sweet little Jesus!
From the depths of my heart I pray and adore Thee
because for the love of me and of all (humanity)
Thou wert willing to lie in the manger
and to suffer such great poverty and misery.
I thank and adore Thy tender limbs and
Thy tender hands and feet, and I praise the inexpressible love
which didst draw Thou forth from the bosom of the Heavenly Father,
down to a poor and miserable stable.

Glory and praise be to Thee, noble little Jesus!
I greet and praise Thee with the same fervent love
with which Thy mother loved and praised Thee so intensely.
Glory and praise be to Thee, most beloved little Jesus,
sweet delight of eternal bliss.

I greet and praise Thee with the same love
which madst Thou leave Heaven and become a poor Child.
Glory and praise be to Thee, most precious little Jesus,
joy and honor of Thy Heavenly Father!

I thank Thee through Thine Own sweet Heart
which Thou hast revealed to the whole world through Thy birth.
I greet Thee over and over again, most beautiful little Jesus,
sweetest delight of the Father’s Heart, refreshment of sick souls.
I offer to Thee my own heart for Thine eternal glory and service.

Antiphon: 

I thank and adore Thy tender limbs and
Thy tender hands and feet, and I praise the inexpressible love
which didst draw Thou forth from the bosom of the Heavenly Father.

 -now slowly savor these sweet sentiments
and allow a little time for reflection and responses- 

_______________

Also, note the prayer of St. Bernard of Clairvaux https://www.urban-initiatives.org/society-urban-monks/praying-christmas-prayers-mystics-advent-preparing-charm-christmas-morning-part