I realize that I am posting this a little later than I usually do, but better late than never. Here is a link to the Infancy Gospel of James in pdf format. It is unknown whether or not James actually authored this piece of tradition, however it is a worth while read. Whether or not there is any truth in it is known to the Father and Saints alone but it has much to say to us during this Christmas Tide. I just wish I would have posted it sooner. Enjoy, and have a blessed Feast of the Nativity!
Christ is Born!
Glorify Him!
Troparion in tone 4
Mary was of David’s seed,
So she went with Joseph to register in Bethlehem.
She bore in her womb the Fruit not sown by man.
The time for the birth was at hand.
Since there was no room at the inn,
The cave became a beautiful palace for the Queen.
Christ is Born, raising up the Image that fell of old!
Kontakion in tone 3
Today the Virgin comes to the cave
to give birth to the Eternal Word.
Hear the glad tidings and rejoice, O universe!
Glorify with the angels and the shepherds
the Eternal God, who is willing to appear as a little child!
2 comments
You should make a very clear distinction between “historical factual” and ultimately “true.” Of course the Infancy Gospel of James has truth in it: It describes in words what we see in the icons of the Nativity. It is not possible that a text so foundational to our tradition should be entirely false. Now, whether it is historically accurate in every detail is another question, one which is a quintessentially Western, scientific question to ask.
sir,
I am ver y much interested about all the gospel. So if you kindly help me I will be grateful to
to you.
Thanking You,
Yours fathfully
Rittick Banerjee
74, Karbala Tank Lane.,
Calcutta — 700006
India