Christmas, to me, is a dark and reflective time. I love Samuel Barber's Hermit Songs, and St. Ita's vision is the essence of Christmas. Here's a live performance of Ms. Price's rendition, amazing -
"I will take nothing from my Lord," said she,
"Unless he gives me His Son from Heaven,"
In the form of a Baby that I may nurse Him."
So that Christ came down to her
in the form of a Baby
and then she said:
"Infant Jesus, at my breast,
Nothing in this world is true
Save, O tiny nursling, You,
Infant Jesus, at my breast,
By my heart ev'ry night,
You I nurse are not
A churl but were begot
On Mary the Jewess by Heaven's Light,
Infant Jesus, at my breast,
what king is there but You who could
Give everlasting good?
Wherefore I give my food.
Sing to Him, maidens, sing your best!
There is none that has such right
To your song as Heaven's King
Who ev'ry night
Is Infant Jesus at my breast."
Full Hermit Songs recording -