an excerpt from an essay of byzantine spirituality in regards to the nativity (thought you might enjoy):
The theme that runs through the whole celebration is this: the inner journey of the soul is cosmic and existential. It is realized in the Union of heaven and earth, in the Union of matter in spirit. The journey of the soul to God is an eternal process of change, of becoming and a movement to final perfection. Christian optimism has its roots in this mystery. Through Christ man will always find his way from error to wisdom, from evil to good. Man will attain deification by his union with God and will enjoy forever the sweetness of paradise. The festivity of the appearance of the Lord in the flesh, the nativity, is the first song of paradise regained
an excerpt from an essay of byzantine spirituality in regards to the nativity (thought you might enjoy):
The theme that runs through the whole celebration is this: the inner journey of the soul is cosmic and existential. It is realized in the Union of heaven and earth, in the Union of matter in spirit. The journey of the soul to God is an eternal process of change, of becoming and a movement to final perfection. Christian optimism has its roots in this mystery. Through Christ man will always find his way from error to wisdom, from evil to good. Man will attain deification by his union with God and will enjoy forever the sweetness of paradise. The festivity of the appearance of the Lord in the flesh, the nativity, is the first song of paradise regained