The Mystery of the Nativity according to "Liber de divinis officiis" by Rupert of Deutz OSB

Abstract

The theological interpretation of liturgical texts and gestures presented by representatives of the German monastic school played an important role in the liturgy of the medieval era. Among its most important representatives was Rupert of Deutz OSB, who presented his views in Liber de divinis officiis. This article aims to show what the uniqueness of the Incarnation of the Son of God consists in according to Rupert of Deutz’s views, based on the example of the celebration of the Nativity. Particularly sig­nificant is his interpretation of Old Testament texts and images, and his reference of the Incarnation to the first day of creation. He presented his views not only based on liturgical customs but also according to the principles of medieval computistics.

Keywords

• medieval liturgy
• Nativity
• history of the liturgy
• salvation
• allegory
• heological monastic school