St. Augustine on the Nativity

“Therefore, let our heart speak thus to Him; ‘I have sought thy countenance; thy face, O Lord, will I still seek. Turn not away thy face from me.'[Ps. 26: 8-10] And let Him reply to the plea of our hearts: ‘He who loves me keeps my commandments; and he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.'[John 14: 21] Indeed, those to whom He addressed these words did see Him with their eyes; they heard the sound of His voice with their ears; they regarded Him as a man in their human heart. But, what eye has not seen, what ear has not heard, and what has not entered into the heart of man He promised to show to those who love Him.[1 Cor 2: 9] Until this favor is granted to us, until He shows us what will completely satisfy us, until we drink to satiety of that fountain of life, while we wander about, apart from Him but strong in faith, while we hunger and thirst for justice, longing with an unspeakable desire for the beautiful vision of God, let us celebrate with fervent devotion His birthday in the form of a servant…Since we are not yet ready for the banquet of our Father, let us grow familiar with the manger of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Sermon on the Nativity, St. Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.)