Christmas is a feast of humbling contrasts. The sight of the Eternal Word made a speechless babe, destined for the Passion, fills our mouths with songs and yet leaves us mute with awe. Writing of the Nativity of the Lord in his exposition of Luke 2, St Ambrose of Milan (d 397) remarked: “He is brought forth from the womb but flashes from heaven. He lies in an earthly inn but is alive with heavenly light.” The mystery of His Birth is tremendum et fascinans, frightening and alluring.
In the face of our Lord we see the loving Father revealed. He is the visible image of the invisible Father. We also see ourselves revealed. He teaches us who we really are (cf Gaudium et Spes 22). Through His little teary face in Bethlehem we see His love and tender humility. Ambrose explained: “The sobs of that appalling infancy cleanse me, those tears wash away my sins. Therefore, Lord Jesus, I owe more to your sufferings because I was redeemed than I do to works for which I was created…”
