Maria Durch Ein Dornwald Blest Mary wanders through the thorn, Kyrie eleison! Blest Mary wanders through the thorn, That seven long years no bloom hath borne. Jesu et Maria! What clasps she to her breast so close? Kyrie eleison! An innocent child doth there repose, Which to her breast she claspeth close. Jesu et Maria! Fair roses bloom on every tree, Kyrie eleison! As through the thorn-wood passeth she Fair roses bloom on every tree. Jesu et Maria! What shall this Infant cal-led be? Kyrie eleison! The Christ, he shall be called truly, Which Name he hath borne from eternity. Jesu et Maria! This holy Name, who shall proclaim? Kyrie eleison! Saint John Baptist shall do the same, This holy Name he shall proclaim. Jesu et Maria! What christening-gifts to him are giv'n? Kyrie eleison! All things that be, the earth, the heav'n, As christening-gifts to him are giv'n. Jesu et Maria! Who hath the world from sin set free? Kyrie eleison! This Child alone, and only He, He hath the world from sin set free. Jesu et Maria! Christmas in Germany Many are the German contributions to this joyous season: the Christ Kind or "Kris Kringle": toys that breathe the spirit of the bright fairyland that lies in dark German forests and which come to life at the Christkindlmarkt or great Christmas Fair. But the greatest contribution of all to the Western World is the "Tannenbaum," decorated, embellished and festooned in utmost secrecy by Mother and which, when lighted and appropriately revealed to view on Christmas Eve is a never-failing source of enchantment and excitement. Beneath its branches are gilded nuts, multi-shaped cookies, gifts and food for every member of the household. In some regions of the country a beautiful representation of the Lowly Stable, and the complete story of the Nativity, will be found under the tree, carved as only the native craftsmen can execute it. This, and the gift of a little known parish priest, Father Josef Mohr, who wrote the immortal carol "Stille Nacht Heilege Nacht" can be said to be two of the German people's great contributions to the Christian world. http://catholicharboroffaithandmorals.com/