‘Today” in the ancient Christian tradition is a long time.
“Today” almost always lasts more than 24 hours. In fact, “today” often is eight days long in the church. On Christmas Eve, we sang, “Today He who holds the whole creation in His hand is born of a virgin.” On Christmas Day we sang, “Today the Virgin gives birth to the Transcendent One, and the Earth offers a cave to the Unapproachable One.” On Friday, we sang, “Today Bethlehem receives Him who reigns forever with the Father; today angels glorify the newborn babe in hymns worthy of God.” And today (Sunday) we sing, “Today the ancient bond of the condemnation of Adam is loosed: Paradise is opened to us.” And “Today in Bethlehem I hear the holy angels: Glory to God in the Highest!”
Why is “today” so long?
Read it all.
John Parker: Christmas Day just the beginning of celebration
‘Today” in the ancient Christian tradition is a long time.
“Today” almost always lasts more than 24 hours. In fact, “today” often is eight days long in the church. On Christmas Eve, we sang, “Today He who holds the whole creation in His hand is born of a virgin.” On Christmas Day we sang, “Today the Virgin gives birth to the Transcendent One, and the Earth offers a cave to the Unapproachable One.” On Friday, we sang, “Today Bethlehem receives Him who reigns forever with the Father; today angels glorify the newborn babe in hymns worthy of God.” And today (Sunday) we sing, “Today the ancient bond of the condemnation of Adam is loosed: Paradise is opened to us.” And “Today in Bethlehem I hear the holy angels: Glory to God in the Highest!”
Why is “today” so long?
Read it all.