The Fullness of our Manger

He is the fullness of our manger because 'the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.' So that man might eat the Bread of angels, the Creator of the angels became man...

...But, what eye has not seen, what ear has not heard, and what has not entered into the heart of man He promised to show to those who love Him. Until this favor is granted to us, until He shows us what will completely satisfy us, until we drink to satiety of that fountain of life, while we wander about, apart from Him but strong in faith, while we hunger and thirst for justice, longing with an unspeakable desire for the beautiful vision of God, let us celebrate with fervent devotion His birthday in the form of a servant. Since we cannot, as yet, understand that He was begotten by the Father before the day-star, let us celebrate His birth of the Virgin in the nocturnal hours. Since we do not comprehend how His name existed before the light of the sun, let us recognize His tabernacle placed in the sun. Since we do not, as yet, gaze upon the Son inseparably united with His Father, let us remember Him as the 'bridegroom coming out of his bride-chamber.' Since we are not yet ready for the banquet of our Father, let us grow familiar with the manger of our Lord Jesus Christ.

-Augustine, "Sermon on the Nativity"

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Ah, how had I missed the symbolism of the manger - filled, not with the bread of beasts, but with the Bread of angels, the Bread of life! Merry Christmas, and may your manger be full!