Imagine the scene — a man deep in the throes of despair weeps in prayer to God, asking for forgiveness of his many sins.<\/p>\n
But he is not a man one would think to be burdened down by the guilt of wrong doing. He was a monk.<\/p>\n
But life was not going well for Henrich Suso and like many people of faith he blamed himself for his misfortunes. After his prayer was finished, he climbed into bed, sure to have another fitful night of tossing and turning over his worries.<\/p>\n
Somewhere in the dark of night as he slumbered a vision was opened to his mind. In this vision he met an angel, whose brightness spoke nothing but hope and love<\/a> to Henrich.<\/p>\n As angels of old had once told the shepherds, he was told to \u201cfear not, and be of good cheer\u201d. Then the angel took him by the hand, invited him to cast off his many sorrows, and with the angel rejoice in a heavenly dance of worship and praise.<\/p>\n The song to which they danced is now known as \u201cIn Ducli Jubilo<\/em>\u201d \u2013 and it is performed year after year at Christmas<\/a>.<\/p>\n Suso penned these words, as instructed by the angel:<\/p>\n Good Christian men, rejoice In sweet rejoicing, now sing and glad! Now sing we, now rejoice Thou my Savior art!<\/em><\/p>\n By far the best modern version of the song was performed in the original Latin by Sissel with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir from their Grammy-winning album, Spirit of the Season<\/em>.<\/p>\n
\nWith heart, and soul, and voice;
\nGive ye heed to what we say:
\nJesus Christ was born to-day.
\nOx and ass before Him bow,
\nAnd He is in the manger now.
\nChrist is born today!<\/em><\/p>\n
\nOur hearts joy lies in the manger
\nAnd it shines like the sun
\nIn the mother\u2019s lap,
\nYou are the alpha and omega!\u00a0 \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n
\nWith heart and soul and voice!
\nHe from whom joy streameth
\nPoor in a manger lies;
\nNot so brightly beameth
\nThe sun in yonder skies.
\nThou my Savior art!<\/em><\/p>\n