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Infancy Narratives, 3/3
3 years ago
As mentioned I am sharing my translations (from Jerome's Vulgate) of the Infancy Narratives -- the Biblical accounts of Jesus' birthday that form the core of the Christian holiday -- split into three journals, one for Matthew, one for Luke, one for John's prologue, all of which throw different lights on the tale.
This is the last, from John's prologue. It's sort of a "bonus round," since it is not generally considered an infancy narrative. However it does mention Jesus' birth. And it gives more perspective about what that birth means in the Christian Faith. This is the key and keystone of Christianity, what sets it apart from other religions -- the enormous proposition that the Logos, the Word, the Mind that shaped all things descended and was pleased to take on our humble flesh and live as a human among humans.
As with the other two, there is an element of tragedy. Christmas is a time of joy and gladness, but sorrow is never far in this life. But that is an intrinsic part of the message -- God's coming in our flesh to draw us to Him offers the promise that all sorrows are comparatively shallow and passing; while the joy is deep-rooted and eternal. In John's terse words, he sketches the rejection Jesus will face -- but also that joy that comes from accepting Light and Life.
~ Prologue of John's Gospel
In the beginning was the Word; and the Word was with God; and the Word was God, Which was in the beginning with God.
All was made through Him, and without Him was made nothing that was made. In Him was Life; and Life was the Light of mankind. And the Light shineth in the darkness; and the darkness did not grasp Her.
She was the true Light, which illumineth every human coming into the world: She was in the world; even the world made through Him; and the world knew Him not. Unto His own He came, and they received Him not.
However, so many as did receive Him, He gave them power to become the children of God; to those who believe in His Name: who are born not from blood, neither by the will of flesh nor the will of a man; but are born from God.
And the Word was made flesh: and dwelt among us. And we saw His glory -- glory as of the only-begotten of the Father -- full of grace and truth.
(John 1:1-5, 9-14)
This is the last, from John's prologue. It's sort of a "bonus round," since it is not generally considered an infancy narrative. However it does mention Jesus' birth. And it gives more perspective about what that birth means in the Christian Faith. This is the key and keystone of Christianity, what sets it apart from other religions -- the enormous proposition that the Logos, the Word, the Mind that shaped all things descended and was pleased to take on our humble flesh and live as a human among humans.
As with the other two, there is an element of tragedy. Christmas is a time of joy and gladness, but sorrow is never far in this life. But that is an intrinsic part of the message -- God's coming in our flesh to draw us to Him offers the promise that all sorrows are comparatively shallow and passing; while the joy is deep-rooted and eternal. In John's terse words, he sketches the rejection Jesus will face -- but also that joy that comes from accepting Light and Life.
~ Prologue of John's Gospel
In the beginning was the Word; and the Word was with God; and the Word was God, Which was in the beginning with God.
All was made through Him, and without Him was made nothing that was made. In Him was Life; and Life was the Light of mankind. And the Light shineth in the darkness; and the darkness did not grasp Her.
She was the true Light, which illumineth every human coming into the world: She was in the world; even the world made through Him; and the world knew Him not. Unto His own He came, and they received Him not.
However, so many as did receive Him, He gave them power to become the children of God; to those who believe in His Name: who are born not from blood, neither by the will of flesh nor the will of a man; but are born from God.
And the Word was made flesh: and dwelt among us. And we saw His glory -- glory as of the only-begotten of the Father -- full of grace and truth.
(John 1:1-5, 9-14)
