Pius Parsch on The Christmas Cycle as Mystery Play

THE ROYAL NUPTIALS OF HEAVEN AND EARTH

A. The curtain rises. Preparation for the King’s coming (Advent)
I. He comes
1. Vision from afar (Advent 1 – Luke 21:25-33 [Open in Logos Bible Software (if available)] [our Advent 2])
2. Jerusalem prepares herself (Advent 2 – Matthew 11:2-10 [Open in Logos Bible Software (if available)] [our Advent 3])
II. Now He is near
3. The joy of anticipation (Advent 3 – John 1:19-28 [Open in Logos Bible Software (if available)] [our Advent 4])
4. The King puts on the clothes of a servant (Ember Days)
5. Final preparation and longing call of the Bride (“O” antiphons)
6. Before the eternal gates (Vigil of Christmas – Matthew 1:18-25 [Open in Logos Bible Software (if available)] )

B. The King appears (Christmas)
I. the King comes in servant’s clothes (Christmas)
1. His retinue: martyrs (Stephen), virgins (John), children (Holy Innocents)
2. His glance toward the Cross (Sunday within the Octave)
II. In full glory the King celebrates His marriage to the Church (Epiphany)
1. He receives His wedding guests (Magi)
2. He purifies His Bride (baptism in the Jordan)
3. He gives His wedding meal (Epiphany 2)
III. The Bride prepares her chamber (Candlemas)

C. Epilogue. The King presides over His Kingdom (Sundays after Epiphany)
1. As Teacher (Epiphany 1)
2. As Priest (Epiphany 2)
3. As Savior (Epiphany 3)
4. As Conqueror (Epiphany 4)
5. As Wise Judge (Epiphany 5)
6. Growth of the Kingdom (Epiphany 6)