We conclude our Advent series with the meditative thoughts of St. Francis de Sales on the Incarnation, from his sermons.

Sunday

When the world had reached the high point of its wickedness,  God came to redeem us  and deliver us from the tyranny of sin and the servitude of our enemies. Urged to it solely by His immense goodness  He became incarnate for us.( Dec 20 1620) St. Francis de Sales

Monday

Other miracles clustered around the Incarnation. One of the greatest is that the divine Word was conceived and  born of a woman who was at once both Mother and Virgin( Jan 17 1621) St Francis de Sales

Tuesday

Many marvels will accompany the birth of the Savior as the appearance of a star which brought  the Magi from the east. (Jan 17, 1621) St Francis de Sales

Wednesday

The Incarnation was invisible, secret and unknown. So exalted is it that it infinitely surpasses  the comprehension of the angels and archangels. (Jan 17, 1621) St Francis de Sales

Thursday

The Church wants us to prepare for the holy day of Christmas with a vigil. By this vigil she wants us to ponder deeply on the grandeur of the mystery of the most holy Nativity of OUR LORD.( DEC 24 1613) St Francis de Sales

Friday

Consider the little newborn Infant in the manger at Bethlehem. Listen to what he says to you. Look at the example he gives you. He has chosen the most bitter, the poorest things imaginable for his birth. Whoever remains close to this manger in the Christmas octave will melt with love. (Dec 24, 1620) St Francis de Sales

Saturday

Behold God incarnate! How beautiful it has been to reflect  on the very profound mystery of our Savior’s Incarnation! (Dec 24, 1620) St Francis de Sales