St. Athanasius' Christmas Eve homily (4th century bishop of Alexandria, Egypt and author of The Incarnation of theWord of God)  is replete with imagery expressing the unfathomable truth that God became man so that man could partake in the life of God. “God on earth and man in heaven”...a phrase Steve Clark [see The Real Meaning of Christmas] has often spoken, is the inspiration for the song Glory Cry the Angel Choirs. What no man could even have hoped for, dreamed of, or ever accomplished has been wondrously given to us. As the gift, so the cost. Christ emptied himself, so must we. The gift we could never gain, we will never lose...the cost: “only all, only love, priceless love all loves surpassing.” 

This song culminates with the scriptural titles for the Messiah sung in the O Antiphons during the last week of Advent. Watching for God is like stepping into a dark room. One sees dimly at first, but as one remains steadfast and peers into the darkness, one's eyes begin to see. So may it be for us this advent season. May we see him whose very presence draws the cry “glory”!  from the angel choirs.

Lyrics to Glory Cry the Angel Choirs [and audio clip of song]

What no man could hope for now conceived. Earth is raised to heaven on this eve. God on earth and man in heaven, Who can such a wonder fathom? Glory cry the angel choirs, Glory fills creation's song!  Hope of heart's most pure desires, Unto us the Lord God is born. Sprung from Jesse's root the promised Son, Hope of prophets, our desired one. Key of David, Star of Light, Man is raised to heaven's height. Rejoice for our Emmanuel is come! Glory cry the angel choirs, Glory fills creation's song!  Hope of heart's most pure desires, Unto us the Lord God is born. Word of God made flesh in perfect love. Man made son of God to reign above. God descends in mortal flesh, Man is clothed in holiness; The child is born to set the nations free! Glory cry the angel choirs, Glory fills creation's song!  Hope of heart's most pure desires, Unto us the Lord God is born.

Tiffany glass design by Frederick Wilson

[The song Glory Cry the Angel Choirs is included in a Music CD entitled, Taken by Love, produced by In His Presence. The CD and sheet music can be ordered from Tabor House or from In His Presence.] 

Ed Conlin is a member of the Servants of the Word, a missionary brotherhood of men living single for the Lord. He lives in community in the inner city of Detroit, Michigan, USA, and works as a licensed substance abuse counselor and chaplain with the Capuchin Franciscan Ministries in Detroit.