Thursday, December 24, 2009

An Ineffable Light



Nativity at Night by Geertgen tot Sint Jans, c. 1490

"...the virgin knelt down with great veneration in an attitude of prayer, and her back was turned to the manger.... And while she was standing thus in prayer, I saw the child in her womb move and suddenly in a moment she gave birth to her son, from whom radiated such an ineffable light and splendour, that the sun was not comparable to it, nor did the candle that St. Joseph had put there, give any light at all, the divine light totally annihilating the material light of the candle.... I saw the glorious infant lying on the ground naked and shining. His body was pure from any kind of soil and impurity. Then I heard also the singing of the angels, which was of miraculous sweetness and great beauty..."

 From a vision of Catholic mystic Saint Bridget of Sweden (1303-1373), which served as the inspiration for this painting.

May His ineffable light illuminate your path this Christmas season, and always.

With my love and very best wishes for you and yours,
Anne

28 comments:

  1. Merry Christmas, Anne. Thanks always for the great things you share with your readers. Wishing you all the best in the new year.
    Hugs,
    Donna

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  2. I don't think I've seen this painting before, It is so wonderful, the faces are just amazing, but look at the wonderment on the precious cow's face. You can almost imagine what it is thinking! Love this! Have a sweet and peaceful Christmas dear Anne!
    love,
    Debra

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  3. Very beautiful. Thanks for sharing this with us. I hope you and your family have a very Blessed Christmas. Enjoy!

    Kathleen

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  4. A very Merry and Joyous Christmas to you, Anne!
    So happy to have made 'blogfriends' with you!
    Blessings,
    Myrna

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  5. Merry Christmas, Anne!

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  6. Anne:

    Merry Christmas to you also! I am so glad to meet you here in blogland and share ideas and triumphs with you. I am thankful for your support and kindness.

    Best,
    Cori

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  7. Just a note to wish you the Merriest Christmas EVER! We are snowed in and actually enjoying a simple, quiet Christmas Eve. I truly think we may be on to something. God Bless!
    Denis

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  8. Hi Anne,

    Just had to stop by and say I have enjoyed getting to know you here, through the blog world.
    thank you.
    May you and your family have a blessed and joyous Christmas.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  9. The cattle are lowing, the poor baby wakes,
    but little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes. I love Thee Lord Jesus, look down from the sky, and stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.
    This song kept running through my head while reading your post. This what I'll be dreaming of and praising God for tonight when I lay my head on my pillow.
    A truly blessed Christmas wish for you and yours.
    Debbie

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  10. Anne, wishing you God's blessing in 2010! So glad you are part of JMS, and the blog world. Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!

    Lanette

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  11. Anne,
    Wishing you a joyous Christmas! What a beautiful painting!! Love to have one like that in my home...Wishing you the abundant blessing that 2010 will bring you.
    Gale

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  12. Hope you and your loved ones have a wonderful Christmas!

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  13. Merry Christmas and have a wonderful day today!!!
    Hug,
    Margaret B

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  14. Good morning Anne! It has been wonderful connecting with you....I just wish we lived closer so we could meet someday!! We would have so much fun shopping together!

    I hope you have a happy holiday and I hope Santa was extra good to you this year!

    Enjoy the rest of the season!

    Hugs,

    Polly

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  15. ♪♫ ••.¸♫♪ The stars in the sky♪♫• *¨*¸♥•♫♪ look down where he lay ♪♫•*¨ ¨*•♫♪ the little Lord Jesus ♪♫•*♥ *¨*♥•♫*♪... asleep on the hay ♪♫•¸♥*•♫♪. Merry Christmas!!

    Teresa

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  16. Hello Anne,

    I just discovered your lovely blog over at Beadboard. I will come back often.

    A blessed Christmas to all!

    Marjorie in Carmel

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  17. Perfect! Merry Christmas dear Anne! Enjoy the Peace of the Season!

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  18. A very precious message indeed.

    Be merry, bright and blessed.

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  19. And a wonderful holiday to you and yours! Stan

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  20. Anne and Mr. Twig,
    It was wonderful meeting you "Ms. Twig" aka Anne this year. I was so excited to meet 2 of my blogging friends. I hope your Christmas was the merriest ever. Hope to see you in 2010!
    smiles, alice

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  21. Merry Merry Christmas Anne - so nice to have gotten to know you this past year - I wish God's best for you and your family this Holiday season and throughout the coming New Year
    Rebecca

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  22. Merry Christmas, Anne! What a beautiful painting--thanks for sharing this! So glad you DID find me today, cuz I just trailed you back to your beautiful place! How have I not found you before? Well, I'm here now--I'm your newest follower and I'll be back often! Looking forward to getting to know you better in the New Year!

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  23. Merry Christmas FBM. LYLAS...MMWWAAAHHH!!

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  24. Merry Christmas Anne!

    I look forward to more adventures in blog land for 2010.

    Laura

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I'm all ears....

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