Did you know that Saint John of the Cross is considered one of the great mystics and poets of the Catholic Church?
He was a 16th-century Carmelite priest and was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius XI in 1926. His feast day is celebrated on December 14.
The writings of Saint John of the Cross express a profound love for God and an unwavering desire to follow God's will more completely.
Among his writings, a poem about Christmas and its true meaning stands out: the birth of Our Savior Jesus Christ. Its depth can help us prepare our hearts even more for this special moment.
An Advent Poem by Saint John of the Cross, Mystic and Doctor of the Church
Now at last the destined ages
Their appointed course had run,
When rejoicing from His chamber
Issued forth the Bridegroom Son.
He embraced His bride, and held her
Lovingly upon His breast,
And the gracious Mother laid Him
In the manger down to rest.
There He lay, the dumb beasts by Him,
They were fitly stabled there,
While the shepherds and the angels
Filled with melody the air.
So the feast of their espousals
With solemnity was kept;
But Almighty God, an Infant,
In the manger moaned and wept.
So the bride at her betrothal
Did the bridal gifts arrange;
But the Mother looked in wonder
At the marvellous exchange.
Man gave forth a song of gladness,
God Himself a plaintive moan ;
Both possessing that which never
Had been hitherto their own.