Day 12 · The Nativity Fast
Before the Morning Star
“With thee is dominion in the day of thy power, in the splendours of thy saints: I have begotten thee from the womb before the morning.”Psalm 109:3 (110:3)
Reflection
At Matins of the Nativity the Church sings words from this psalm: “Out of the womb, before the morning star, have I begotten thee.” Psalm 109 (110 in most English Bibles) is quoted again and again in the New Testament; Christ himself asked how David could call his own descendant “Lord” (Matthew 22:41-45). The psalm names the Messiah both King and Priest forever. At Christmas the Church holds two births together: the Son's birth from the Father before time began, and his birth from the Virgin in time.
A prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, King and eternal High Priest, you were begotten of the Father before the morning star and born of the Virgin for our salvation. Reign over me, and offer me with yourself to the Father. Amen.
Carry this with you
Christ is both King and Priest. Which do you most need him to be for you today?