Monday, December 25 : Saint Gregory Nazianzen

I must be buried with Christ, arise with Christ, be joint heir with Christ, become the son of God, yea, God Himself. This is the purpose of the great mystery for us. This is the purpose for us of God, Who for us was made man and became poor, (2 Corinthians 8:9) to raise our flesh, (Romans 8:11) and recover His image, and remodel man, (Colossians 3:10) that we might all be made one in Christ, (Galatians 3:28) who was perfectly made in all of us all that He Himself is, (1 Corinthians 15:28) that we might no longer be male and female, barbarian, Scythian, bond or free (which are badges of the flesh), but might bear in ourselves only the stamp of God, by Whom and for Whom we were made, (Romans 11:36) and have so far received our form and model from Him, that we are recognized by it alone. Why what a multitude of high festivals there are in each of the mysteries of the Christ; all of which have one completion, namely, my perfection and return to the first condition of Adam. Now then I pray you accept His Conception, and leap before Him; if not like John from the womb, (Luke 1:41) yet like David, because of the resting of the Ark. (2 Samuel 6:14) Revere the enrolment on account of which you were written in heaven, and adore the Birth by which you were loosed from the chains of your birth, (Luke 2:1-5) and honour little Bethlehem, which has led you back to Paradise. Run with the Star, and bear your Gifts with the Magi, gold and frankincense and myrrh, (Isaiah 1:3) as to a King. With Shepherds glorify Him; with Angels join in chorus; with Archangels sing hymns. Let this Festival be common to the powers in heaven and to the powers upon earth. (Luke 2:14-15) For I am persuaded that the Heavenly Hosts join in our exultation and keep high Festival with us today.

Roman Catholic Ordinary Calendar – rosary,team