The actual, first nativity of Christ, His actual birth from all eternity in the bosom of His Father, must be venerated in silence. We should never permit our mind to investigate this mystery. Since time and space did not exist, since no form of expressions had yet been created, since there is not a single eyewitness, nor anyone who can describe this eternal birth, how can reason form any concept for reflection? How can the tongue give expression to thoughts that cannot be formulated? The Father was, and the Son was born! Do not say: "when?" but rather leave that question unasked. Do not ask "how?" for there is not answer! For the word "when" suggests time, and "how" suggests birth in the flesh...God is on earth, He is among men, not in the fire nor amid the sound of trumpets; not in the smoking mountain, or in the darkness, or in the terrible and roaring tempest giving the Law, but manifested in the flesh, the gentle and good One dwells with those He condescends to make His equals! God is in the flesh, not operating from a distance, as did the prophets, but through Him human nature, one with ours, He seeks to bring back all mankind to Himself.

St. Basil the Great "On the Incarnation"

Since you are the God of peace and the Father all-merciful, O Lover of Mankind, You sent us the great Messenger of Your knowledge and granted to us Your peace. Led to the light of Your Divine Knowledge, we come out of the darkness to sing to You a hymn of glory.

Orthros Service

O man, know then that God becomes flesh
And where did this incarnation take place?
The body of a Holy Virgin!
Let us, too, burst forth with voice of joy.
Let us celebrate the mystery of the Salvation of the whole world,
The birthday of mankind.
Today the blame of Adam is revoked.
No longer: "You are dust, and to dust you will return";
But, closely united to the celestial world,
You will be lifted even into Heaven.
No longer: in pain will you bear sons;
But, blessed is the one who has borne Emmanuel
And blessed is the womb that nourished Him.

St. Basil the Great (d. 379)
Homily on the Generation of Christ

"But do not forget to do good and to share, for with sacrifice God is well pleased"
(Hebrews 13:16)
 

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