His Holiness Benedict XVI released a new book called Infancy Narratives only a few weeks ago. The popular press presented it as debunking our age-old traditions about Christmas – no ox and ass at the crib, no warming of the infant Child with their breath, no angels caroling above the astonished shepherds, and Our Lord not born in the year 0.

You can read below about how these reports are a complete distortion, incomplete understanding, or actual misrepresentation of what the Holy Father wrote, in an excellent commentary by Kevin M. Clarke at First Things:

http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/2012/11/what-the-pope-really-said-about-christmas

While the press often repeats malicious insinuations and charges against the Pope, it also assumes that his voice is authoritative and worth quoting. Beyond that paradox is the tacit recognition by the mass media that the Catholic Church is the outstanding opponent of all the relativistic immorality that mass culture stands for, and therefore an opponent worth belittling and mocking.

Meanwhile, love for authentic and lasting popular culture goes on, and the warm breath of the faithful beasts still comforts the blessed Child:

THE OX AND THE ASS AT THE MANGER

By Friederich von Spee (1591-1635)

Translated from the German

 

Flying through deserted skies

The raven-wind of winter

Finds the stable where He lies,

Jesus in the manger;

Croaks and bumbles over Him

Beak of ice to prod

Tender flesh and tiny limbs,

Incarnated God

 

Stop, stop you frost and hail

Wicked wind that moans,

Stop these sharp and shrieking gales,

Leave the child alone;

Fly across the savage seas

Buffet with your wings

All the oceans till they freeze,

Spare my Infant King

 

I have something to propose

Joseph dearest brother,

Mix the petals of the rose

With ox and donkey fodder;

Make a mash to feed them both

Lay it at their feet,

Quickly, quickly make their breath

Gentle, warm and sweet

 

Pious ox and donkey mild

Purify this room,

Cense the body of the child

With rosy warm perfume;

Go and blow your breathing:

Aha, aha, aha!

With your lungs unceasing:

Aha, aha, aha!

 

Pavel

April 7, 2004