“Let us rise up as the Magi did and leave the world to be caught up in its own troubles. Let us run to the manger, where the Infant is. Prostrating ourselves before Him, we will let go of everything else.”

Saint John CHRYSOSTOM (around 344-407)
Archbishop of Constantinople, Father of the Church

“The Infant in the manger holds out His little hands and His smile seems already to say what His lips will later utter as a man: “Come to me, all you who suffer and are burdened.” Some responded to His call. Thus did the Shepherds in the fields of Bethlehem who, having seen the bright light in the sky and heard the joyous message from the angel, answered, full of trust: “ Let us go to Bethlehem!”, and off they went. Thus did the kings coming from the East, who followed the marvelous Star, with the same simple faith; and from the little hands of the Infant, the dew of grace fell upon them and they rejoiced with great joy.” These hands give and demand at the same time. You, oh wise ones, put down your great wisdom and become simple like children. You, oh kings, give up your crowns and your treasures, and humble yourself before this King of Kings. Without hesitating accept your lot of the pains, sufferings, and fatigues required by His service. You, little ones, who have nothing to give of your own, the hands of this Infant will take your young lives even before they have begun. Such lives cannot find a better use than being sacrificed to this Master Whom we Praise.”

Edith STEIN (1891-1942)
Philosopher, Carmelite