The Child was born for that purpose. The wood of the cradle makes way for the wood of the cross. The infant in the arms of Mary is the Saviour reposed in her arms. The beginning of the Passion of our Lord was at the moment of His conception in the womb of the Blessed Virgin. Shepherds came to adore the Lamb of God, and the Magi brought gifts in preparation for the death and resurrection of the King of the universe.
Here is mysterium tremendum: salvation is born in the stable, salvation is born on the cross, salvation is born on our altars.
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Painting: "The Nativity"
by Arthur Hughes (1832-1915)