Advent: Love Comes Down

I love this song by Matt Maher, and it always reminds me of Advent and the Incarnation.  The chorus is so joyful:  "Isn't it beautiful?  Isn't it marvelous?"

An excerpt:

I'm searching for a king and kingdom

Here among the beggars and the weak

The broken and redeemed

I'm finding grace beyond all measure

In flesh and blood He hides his majesty

Inside of you and me

Why would a King

Do such a thing?

Isn't it beautiful?

Isn't it marvelous?

The God of the universe

He became one of us

We cry out and then

Love comes down again

Hope is found in him

Alleluia!

 

Mary Consoles Eve

 

O Eve!

My mother, my daughter, life-giving Eve,

Do not be ashamed, do not grieve.

The former things have passed away,

Our God has brought us to a New Day.

See, I am with Child,

Through whom all will be reconciled.

O Eve! My sister, my friend,

We will rejoice together

Forever

Life without end.

— Sr Columba Guare © 2005 Sisters of the Mississippi Abbey

 

I found this image on the internet a few years ago (most recently here and here), and have never forgotten it.  It is deceptively simple, yet so beautiful and profound.

 

Created by a sister at Our Lady of the Mississippi Abbey, the picture and poem have been made into matted prints as well as greeting and Christmas cards.  My print is propped up in the family room, beautifying the space and encouraging meditation while it waits for a frame.