The Incarnation and the Paradox of the Manger

The Master of heaven and earth has shone forth from virgin wombs for the redemption of the world into a corruptible realm. For a Savior has been born to us today, who is Christ the Lord, who is a light for the nations and the salvation of Israel's house (Luke 1:49). O the wonder! He who cannot be circumscribed by the heavens was made at home in a manger like a child, and he who summarized all things in brief words was warmed by women's embraces; and he who is rejoiced by those who have learned of the holy Virgin to be 'graced' (Luke 1:28) is possessed of all super-cosmic powers. For it happened, he says, as the gospel testifies, that when their days were fulfilled to give birth, she gave birth to her firstborn son, and she wrapped him and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the lodging (Luke 2:7).

What is this new and paradoxical mystery? What is the almighty and corruption-making benevolence of the divine Providence? What is the terrible and all-wise strategy against the devil? The world has been set free through a virgin, he who before this had fallen under sin. Through a virgin's childbirth, so many and such great systems of invisible demons are overthrown. The Master has become like the servants, so that the servants might become like God again. O Bethlehem, city honored and perfected with men! O manger, O manger, participant with the Cherubim and equal with the Seraphim! For he who was eternally held up by those thrones is now, in a bodily way, made at home in you again.

O Mary, O Mary, who has possessed the firstborn Creator of all things! O humanity, who has made the eternal Word of God bodily present and has been honored in this place by the heavenly and noetic powers! For Christ was not worthy to be formed into the likenesses of the archangels, nor even into the unchangeable images of the principalities, powers, and authorities, but into you, who were drawn into a turn and associated with irrational animals. For those who are healthy have no need of a physician, but she who is seized by frequent and such a disease has found a physician such that it is a greater happiness of health to have escaped the sickness. But where now is the hostile and senseless, the wandering and riotous dragon, promising to lift his own throne to the height? Therefore, brothers, called to the participation in the heavenly calling of blessedness, called to the adoption of God and brotherhood, we ought to give thanks to Him who called us and to present ourselves as worthy of Him who provides us the...