Word Made Flesh
“We have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
He Qi’s vibrant and contemporary depiction of the Nativity invites us to see the familiar story of Christ’s birth through fresh eyes. The bold colors and stylized forms draw us into the universality of the moment when the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. In this work, Mary and Joseph stand alongside shepherds and angels, all united in adoration of the Christ Child. The setting is both timeless and rooted in the here and now, reminding us that Christ’s incarnation reaches across cultures and centuries.
The angular forms and dynamic lines in He Qi’s work seem to echo the movement of heaven and earth converging in this holy moment. The shepherds, with their vibrant robes, and the angel’s wings shimmering with celestial hues remind us that Christ’s coming is for all—rich and poor, heaven and earth, Jew and Gentile. The Christ Child at the center radiates warmth, light, and life, drawing all attention toward himself. This visual proclamation of the Word made flesh helps us reflect on the mystery of God becoming fully human to dwell among us and redeem us.
As we gaze upon this piece, we are invited to join in the song of the angels, the wonder of the shepherds, and the deep joy of Mary and Joseph. He Qi’s unique style bridges the gap between the ancient story and our modern context, reminding us that the Gospel’s beauty transcends time.
Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre.
— Psalm 147:7
First Sunday after Christmas
Texts for this Week
Prayer
Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, kindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Magnum Mysterium
Morten Lauridsen’s exquisite choral work, O Magnum Mysterium, is a profound meditation on the mystery of the Incarnation. Setting the traditional Latin text to music, Lauridsen captures the awe and wonder of the Nativity. The text—“O great mystery, and wonderful sacrament, that animals should see the newborn Lord, lying in a manger!”—evokes both the humility and majesty of Christ’s birth.
Lauridsen’s composition is marked by lush harmonies and gentle dissonances, creating a soundscape that feels simultaneously intimate and transcendent. The slow, flowing lines of the melody draw listeners into a contemplative space, much like the stillness of the Bethlehem night. The work’s dynamic swells and serene cadences mirror the paradox of the Incarnation: the infinite God entering finite humanity, the King of Kings lying in a manger.
This piece resonates deeply with the Gospel reading from John 1. The Word became flesh in the most unexpected of ways, and O Magnum Mysterium captures that divine surprise with every phrase. The final notes seem to hang in the air, as if inviting us to linger a little longer in the presence of the newborn King.
As we listen to Lauridsen’s masterpiece, we are reminded of the depths of God’s love and the beauty of the mystery we celebrate at Christmas. It is a fitting musical offering for this season, lifting our hearts in worship and wonder.
