From the beginning the Word was of that eternity which had no beginning; we have heard him promised from the beginning of time; we have seen and touched with our hands the one who is now shown to us at the end of time. Sometimes I have noticed that God’s words arouse no interest when they are merely heard with the ears, but if anyone actually saw the Word which is God, how could they fail to rejoice? I will pass judgment on myself in the first place. The Word which is God offers himself to me today to be seen in my own nature; if this does not fill me with joy, then I am an unbeliever. If it does not instruct me, I am a castaway.

If anyone here finds it tedious to listen to this second-rate sermon, far be it from me to weary him with my own words. Let him go over to Bethlehem, and there let him contemplate that Word on which the angels long to gaze, the Word of God which the Lord has shown to us. Let him picture in his heart what the living and active Word of God was like as he lay there in the manger.
There is a faithful saying and one worthy to be received: Your almighty Word, O Lord, which made its way down in deep silence from the Father’s royal throne into the manger, speaks to us the better for its silence.

Guerric of Igny (1070-1157), Sermon V, on Christmas, 1-2.

Icon of Our Lady by D. Julian Falkus, ©Stanbrook Abbey