Selected Thoughts of the Fathers on Christmas

Icon of the Holy Nativity of Christ (taken from: http://vatopaidi.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/gennisis-hristou-02.jpg)

Selected Thoughts of the Fathers on Christmas (amateur translations)

“Neither angel, nor man, but this Lord himself, victorious from his love towards us, wanted to save us and to renew us, by being born fully man like us, remaining at the same time unchanged God.”
St. Gregory Palamas

“Who could describe the richness of His goodness!
Because of this you with the Star hasten and with the Magi bring Him gold and frankincense and myrrh as a gift!
Honor Him as King and God and Redeemer, who was humbled for you!
Together with the shepherds glorify Him, with the angels hymn Him, with the archangels skip from joy!
As the feast is shared by the heavenly and the earthly powers.”
St. Gregory the Theologian

“Christ becomes truly man, to make us gods by grace.”
St. Maximos the Confessor


“God appeared with human flesh because he had to sanctify the cursed flesh. For him who was sick to strengthen. For him who was exiled from God to return close to Him and for him who fell from Paradise, to return again to the heavens.”
St. Basil the Great

 “Come, therefore, and you also bring gifts, not those as they did (the Magi), but more pure.
Did they offer gold?
You bring chastity and virtue!
Did they offer frankincense?
You offer pure prayers, these spiritual incenses.
Did they offer myrrh?
You offer humility, lowly heart and mercy.
If you approach with these gift, with very great boldness you will receive the holy table…”
St. John Chrysostom

(from the Greek quotes from this booklet, taken from: http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/5982/paterikesskeceisxristou.jpg)

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!