Uploaded on December 21, 2011
Hail most high, most humble one!
Above the world; below thy Son,
Whose blush the moon beauteously mars
And stains the timorous light of stars.
He that made all things, had not done,
Till He had made Himself thy son.
The whole world’s Host would be thy guest
And board Himself at thy rich breast.
O boundless hospitality!
The Feast of all things feeds on thee.
Let hearts and lips speak loud and say
Hail door of life and source of day!
The door was shut, the fountain sealed;
Yet light was seen and life revealed.
The door was shut, yet let in day,
The fountain sealed, yet life found way.
Glory to Thee, great virgin’s Son,
In bosom of thy Father’s bliss.
The same to Thee, sweet Spirit be done.
As ever shall be, was, and is.
—Richard Crashaw
O Holy Night: Masterworks of Christmas Poetry
edited by Johann Moser
12.21.2023: Elements of the story are beautiful.