During the Christmas season it is common for us to become so busy with preparations and such that we lose focus on the reason for it all.  So, we should make time for meditation to keep us grounded in the true meaning of Christmas, and what we are celebrating.  It’s not going to happen automatically; we must set aside the time and make the effort.

To that end, I’ve found this Marian hymn to be helpful, and is probably my favorite Advent hymn.  It was written in 16th century Germany and is still frequently sung at Mass today.  When I was a child I never thought much of it; it seemed a little boring to be frank.  But I guess age has a way of changing our tastes, and now when I hear the hymn it brings back memories of those years hearing the handful of choir members singing it at Sunday night Mass.

I enjoy listening to hymns in their native tongue, and so here is the Vienna Boys Choir (1977) singing it in the church of Maria am Gestade  in Vienna.  Maria am Gestade is an old church — completed in the early 15th century — and although it survived the wars it does show itself to look a bit tired, dusty and with the shine worn off; yet, still perfectly serviceable… if only people would come and bring their joys and sorrows to the altar, where Our Lord so desires to pour out His inexhaustible consolation.

A few loops of that and you have yourself a nice meditation there.

Or, if you prefer the English translation… there is a nice performance by Frederica von Stade, or even a solo a capella version.

Aren’t you glad somebody wrote that song for you so many centuries ago?