Bethlehem Afterglow: In Memory of Fr. John Hampsch

Bethlehem Afterglow

When heaven's "Glory in the Highest"

kissed earth's "lowliest of the low," sacred

ecstasies perhaps were birthed, as one might well Imagine,

witnessing from a distance the most

prodigious drama of any creature-Creator

encounter, and staged in earth's most

unpretentious theatre.

A cattle shed, with its nauseous stench and

scatter-clutter, had segued into a simple lowly throne-room

for the meek and humble Infant King of Kings. From there the

cuddly Baby-God surveyed the awesome universe that

He Himself created.

The feeding manger merged into a grace-designed repository

for heaven's sacred soul food--the Blessed Bread of Life.

Swaddling clothes--grace--vestures that clothe a soul engaged in any

prayerful God--encounter.

Mary's lap--lovely pulpit from which she joyfully

proclaimed the awesome Word of God that she

herself had just enfleshed.

Joseph--stalwart and noble highly privileged

guard who, from creation's very dawn was Providence--

assigned to protect the sainted Virgin--Mother and her tiny Baby God.

Angel choirs--delighted to share with joy--impoverished earthlings

a few enrapturing echoes of heaven's hosanna symphony.

Peace on earth--a precious Gift from God himself that even to this very

day still remains unopened.