December 25, 2006
Tender mercy
The Son of God became a man to enable men to become the sons of God.
- C.S. Lewis
Truly wondrous is the whole chronicle of the nativity. For this day the ancient slavery is ended, the devil confounded, the demons take to flight, the power of death is broken. For this day paradise is unlocked, the curse is taken away, sin is removed, error driven out, truth has been brought back, the speech of kindliness diffused and spread on every side - a heavenly way of life has been implanted on the earth, angels communicate with men without fear, and we now hold speech with angels.
Why is this? Because God is now on earth, and man in heaven; on every side all things commingle. He has come on earth, while being fully in heaven; and while complete in heaven, he is without dimunition on earth. Though he was God, he became man, not denying himself to be God. Thogh being the unchanging Word, he became flesh that he might dwell among us.
- St. John Chrysostom