Personal Note: In dulci jubilo!
From the Showings of Dame Julian of Norwich (long text), as translated by M.L. de Mastro:Of all the visions I that I saw, this one was the greatest comfort to me -- that our God and Lord, who is so worthy of reverence and so awesome, is so unassuming, homely and courteous. This most completely filled me with delight and security of soul.
For the better understanding of this, he gave this plain example. The greatest honor a solemn king or a great lord can do a poor servant is to be homely with him, friendly and unpretentious, and specifically, if he show the servant this familiarity himself in all sincerity and with a glad expression both in private and in public. Then this poor creature thinks thus, "Ah, how could this noble lord give me more honor and joy than by showing me, who am so little and simple, this marvelous homeliness, unassuming friendliness? Truly, it is a greater joy and delight to me than if he gave me great gifts and were himself distant in manner." This human example was shown so intensely in order that man's heart might be ravished and he might almost forget himself for joy at this great unassuming friendliness.
And thus it is between our Lord Jesus and us, for truly, it is the greatest joy possible, as I see it, that he who is highest and mightiest, noblest and worthiest, becomes lowest and meekest, homeliest, friendliest and most courteous.
Merry Christmas!
For the better understanding of this, he gave this plain example. The greatest honor a solemn king or a great lord can do a poor servant is to be homely with him, friendly and unpretentious, and specifically, if he show the servant this familiarity himself in all sincerity and with a glad expression both in private and in public. Then this poor creature thinks thus, "Ah, how could this noble lord give me more honor and joy than by showing me, who am so little and simple, this marvelous homeliness, unassuming friendliness? Truly, it is a greater joy and delight to me than if he gave me great gifts and were himself distant in manner." This human example was shown so intensely in order that man's heart might be ravished and he might almost forget himself for joy at this great unassuming friendliness.
And thus it is between our Lord Jesus and us, for truly, it is the greatest joy possible, as I see it, that he who is highest and mightiest, noblest and worthiest, becomes lowest and meekest, homeliest, friendliest and most courteous.
Merry Christmas!