The Spirit of Christmas is the answer to the riddle given to Adam and Eve at the Fall: that a Seed would rise from the woman and crush the head of the Serpent (Gen. 3:15). The Spirit of Christmas is the Holy Spirit who overshadowed the virgin Mary and filled her womb with the body of Jesus (Lk. 1:35), fulfilling the promise given to Eve. The Spirit of Christmas fulfills promises.
Read moreSt Bernard on the kiss
For Bernard the longing of the Christian year at Advent was best expressed in this cry of lovesickness. As we wait for his return, the song of the Bride becomes the song of the church in waiting. “Maranatha, come Lord Jesus!” (1 Cor. 16:22; Rev. 22:20).
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