Thursday, December 3, 2009

Advent Calendar: Roman Gate 3

Gates, lift high your heads,
raise high the ancient gateways,
and the king of glory shall enter.
Psalm 24: 7 (New Jerusalem Bible)

The Porta Sant' Anna, Saint Ann's Gate
This is the main working entrance to Vatican City, watched over by the Swiss Guards. Thinking of it as the "working entrance" I am reminded about a quip attributed to Pope John XXIII. When asked how many people worked in the Vatican, he is supposed to have said, "Oh, about half of them."

Advent Evening Hymn

Come, Sun and Savior, to embrace Our gloomy world,
its weary race,
As groom to bride, as bride to groom:
The wedding chamber, Mary's womb.

At your great Name, O Jesus, now
All knees must bend, all hearts must bow;
All things on earth with one accord,
Like those in heaven, shall call you Lord.

Come in your holy might, we pray,
Redeem us for eternal day;
Defend us while we dwell below,
From all assaults of our dread foe.
(8th Century)

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