Language is such an interesting part of being human. The use of words and the ability to put them together forming some forms of communication as well as formulating abstract concepts is part of what our heritage tells us is "being created in the image of God". As beautiful as this is it is also indicative of one of our greatest limitations to relate to and describe that very God. God who is a mystery and beyond our finite ability to adequately describe. It is kinda cool that we keep trying as long as we do not get so wrapped up in the thought that God meant for His ultimate "Word" to be written in "King James English". :0).
Hence the reason for the heading for this post. It appears to me that the "romance" languages may have a leg up on my native tongue as far as partially capturing the essence of a beautiful carol of the Incarnation, Silent Night.
This kind of dials into what I mentioned earlier regarding the lack of the word "Love" in any of the foundational creeds of Christendom. God who is Love according to the Gospel of John would most likely have "inspired" one of those early church fathers to throw Love in the mix. Maybe the problem is that we were talking about church fathers and not Mothers!
Anyhow I was very pleased when reading the Spanish translation of Silent Night. In any language it is a beautiful song and sentiment. In Spanish however it is a lot more vibrant and rich in meaning. Silent Night,(quiet night) becomes Noche de Paz, (Night of Peace)! And Holy Night,(pure or Not us night) becomes Noche de Amor, (Night of Love)!
May more of our nights and days be filled with Peace And Love in the coming year and may we all be guided in a path which can bring this prayer to fruition. Paz y Amor! RV
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