Cuthbert


St Stephen the first martyr: the testimony of the brightness within

December 27, 2011
An icon of Christ in glory in the ceiling of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem

But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
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Higher taxes lead to more spending, bigger government, and more red ink

December 27, 2011
The Palace of Westminster, London (the home of the Houses of Parliament)

We know from historical experience that higher taxes encourage more spending and slow economic growth, and the combination of those two factors leads to more red ink.
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Kontakion of Christmas (early Russian polyphony)

December 26, 2011
Virgin and Child chiefly from 13th century glass in the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Buckley, Surrey. © Colin Smith, Geograph. Used under licence.

Unto him that none may approach the earth bringeth a cave in offering. For a new child hath been born, who is God before the ages. (Kontakion of the Nativity of Christ)
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Ave Maria (music by Schubert, arr. Liszt)

December 26, 2011
A Steinway & Sons Concert Grand Piano, Model D, 1901

Valentina Lisitsa plays Liszt's transcription of Schubert's Ave Maria.
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Isaiah: Be comforted, God will come Himself and save us

December 26, 2011
An icon of the Theotokos near Hajdúdorog, Hungary. © Jojojoe, Wikimedia Commons.

O Come ye faithful, let us behold the place where Christ was born. Angels are raising their hymns there. Shepherds are abiding in the fields, singing Glory be on high to him that was born today.
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Anthony Trollope: Christmas in church needs a personal touch

December 25, 2011
St Petroc's Church, South Brent, Devon. © Adrian Platt, Geograph. Used under licence. Click for original.

No one knows who does it. The peculiar munificence of the squire who has sacrificed his holly bushes is not appreciated. It has been done by contract, probably, and even if well done has none of the grace of association.
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They would have religion thrown aside

December 25, 2011
Queen Elizabeth II during recording for her Christmas Broadcast, 1957 (the first by television)

We will certainly lose the trust and respect of the world if we just abandon those fundamental principles which guided the men and women who built the greatness of this country.
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Angels and shepherds give glory (music by Franz Liszt)

December 25, 2011
An icon of the Nativity of Christ, surrounded with candles

Angels give glory together with shepherds, while Wise Men follow after a star. For a new child hath been born, who is God before the ages.
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Christ is born, glorify ye him

December 25, 2011
Angels depicted in the ceiling of Worcester Cathedral, England

Today he that hath no beginning beginneth, and the Word is made flesh. The powers of heaven are rejoicing, and the earth is glad together with men.
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This is our God

December 24, 2011
Giotto di Bondone (1266-1337): Birth of Jesus (image reversed)

The only-begotten Son is seen as a mortal, lying in a poor manger, and the Lord of glory is wrapped in swaddling clothes; and a star guides Magi to worship him; and we ourselves sweetly sing, O Holy Trinity, save our souls.
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