Christ is born! Glorify him!

A Nativity Homily of St Isaac the Syrian

This night bestowed peace on the whole world;

so, let no one threaten;

This is the night of the Most Gentle One -

let no one be cruel;

This is the night of the Most Humble One -

let no one be proud.

Now is the day of joy -

let us not revenge;

Now is the day of good will -

let us not be mean-spirited.

In this day of peace

let us not be conquered by anger.

Today the Bountiful impoverished Himself for our sake;

so, rich one, invite the poor to your table.

Today we received a gift for which we did not ask;

so let us give alms to those who implore us and beg.

This present day cast open the heavenly door to our prayers;

let us open our door to those who ask our forgiveness.

Now the Divine Being took upon Himself the seal of humanity,

in order for humanity to be adorned by the seal of Divinity.

“Give me a word!”

Today the Lord is born, the life and salvation of mankind; today a reconciliation is made of Divinity to humanity, and of humanity to Divinity; today all creation has leapt for joy; those above sent toward those below; and those below towards those above; today occurred the death of darkness and the life of humanity; today a way was made toward God for man and a way for God into the soul.

-St. Macarius the Great

The incorporeal and incorruptible and immaterial Word of God entered our world. In one sense, indeed, He was not far from it before, for no part of creation had ever been without Him Who, while ever abiding in union with the Father, yet fills all things that are. But now He entered the world in a new way, stooping to our level in His love and Self-revealing to us.

-St. Athanasius the Great

Let anger be stilled for it disturbs peace and tranquility. This is the day in which God descended to sinners! Let the righteous man be ashamed to exalt himself over sinners. This is the day when the Lord of creation came to servants! Let the master of the house humble himself in similar love to his servants. This is the day on which the Wealthy One became poor for our sake! Let not the rich be ashamed to share their table with the poor.

-St Ephrem the Syrian