… † …
Silent night, holy night,
All is calm, all is bright,
Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child.
Holy infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night,
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from Heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia,
Christ, the Savior is born!
Christ, the Savior is born.
Silent night, holy night.
Son of God, love’s pure light.
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth,
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth.
And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
~ Isaiah 9:6
Note: Today’s paintings are: Giovanni (Battista Salvi) Sassoferrato’s “The Madonna and Child”, 17th century; William-Adolphe Bouguereau’s “Song of the Angels”, 1881; Hendrik de Clerck’s “The Adoration of the Shepherds”; Charles-André Van Loo’s “The Adoration of the Magi”, 1760; and Pietro da Cortona’s “Madonna and Child with Saints”, 1629-30. Header image is a detail from Adriaen Isenbrandt’s “The Adoration of the Magi”, 16th century (possibly 1520s).