Jamesian Philosophy Refreshed

Thoughts on my Next Christmas Card. There is a classic German-language Christmas hymn that likens the glory of Christ to the light of "more than a thousand suns." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morgenstern_der_finstern_Nacht It seems such an oddly science-fictional image to use in such a devout context. I picture a character in an Asimov novel using the line as an interjection. "By the light of a thousand suns! is her skin green???" The hymn was composed in 1657. I love the era. I know this is only April, but it is never too early. There is no such sin as gluttony when it comes to 'food for thought.' (And yes, I know about Linkin Park. Don't care.)

Bring me flesh and bring me wine Bring me pine logs hither Thou and I will see him dine When we bear him thither." Page and monarch forth they went Forth they went together Through the rude wind's wild lament And the bitter weather "Sire, the night is darker now And the wind blows stronger Fails my heart, I know not how, I can go no longer." "Mark my footsteps, my good page Tread thou in them boldly Thou shalt find the winter's rage Freeze thy blood less coldly." In his master's steps he trod Where the snow lay dinted Heat was in the very sod Which the Saint had printed Therefore, Christian men, be sure Wealth or rank possessing Ye who now will bless the poor Shall yourselves find blessing 

For the Catholic Church, the day after Christmas, tomorrow, is known as the Feast of Stephen. Lovers of Christmas Carols will remember that this is the feast commemorated in Good King Wenceslaus , for the 26th of December was the day when that monarch looked out upon the snow that was "deep and crisp and even." Here, just for the heck of it, are the lyrics to the first two verses of that Carol. Good King Wenceslas looked out On the feast of Stephen. When the snow lay round aout Deep and crisp and even. Brightly shone the moon that night Though the frost was cruel, When a poor man came in sight Gath'ring winter fuel. Hither page and stand by me, If thou know'st, telling. Yonder peasant, who is he? Where and what his dwelling? "Sire, he lives a good league hence Underneath the mountain, Right against the forest fence By Saint Agnes' fountain." Maybe I'll finish this up tomorrow, which will of course be the day of the aforementio...

The original French lyrics were as follows: Minuit, chrétiens, c'est l'heure solennelle, Où l'Homme Dieu descendit jusqu'à nous Pour effacer la tache originelle Et de Son Père arrêter le courroux. Le monde entier tressaille d'espérance En cette nuit qui lui donne un Sauveur. Peuple à genoux, attends ta délivrance. Noël, Noël, voici le Rédempteur, Noël, Noël, voici le Rédempteur! De notre foi que la lumière ardente Nous guide tous au berceau de l'Enfant, Comme autrefois une étoile brillante Y conduisit les chefs de l'Orient. Le Roi des rois naît dans une humble crèche: Puissants du jour, fiers de votre grandeur, A votre orgueil, c'est de là que Dieu prêche. Courbez vos fronts devant le Rédempteur. Courbez vos fronts devant le Rédempteur. Le Rédempteur a brisé toute entrave: La terre est libre, et le ciel est ouvert. Il voit un frère où n'était qu'un esclave, L'amour unit ceux qu'enchaînait le fer. Qui lui dira notre reconnaissa...