Let us celebrate the birth of Mankind
When the Magi saw the star, “they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” Let us now also accept such great joy in our hearts, for this very joy the angels preached to the shepherds. Let us worship with the Magi and praise with the shepherds and sing with the angels: “For to us is born this day a Savior who is Christ the Lord.”
Let us then celebrate the world’s salvation!
Rather, let us celebrate the birthday of mankind!
For today the verdict was abolished which was spoken against Adam: “You are dust, and to dust you shall return.” He shall rather hear from now on, “Because the heavenly has been united to you, you shall be raised to heaven.”
Let my heart rejoice and thought be unleashed!
My tongue is unable and my words are short of expressing such a great joy.
Basil the Great from a Homily on Christmas
Basil the Great (c. 330-379) was the bishop of Caesarea and a leading churchman of the fourth century. He is named as one of the Cappadocian Fathers, along with his brother, Gregory of Nyssa, and Gregory Nazianzus. His book, Treatise on the Holy Spirit, is still considered to be one of the greatest works ever written on the divinity of the Holy Spirit. In addition to his theological works, he was also a great preacher and writer of prayers and liturgical works.