'For this day paradise is unlocked'

Truly wondrous is the whole chronicle of the nativity.
For this day the ancient slavery is ended,
the devil confounded,
the demons take to flight,
the power of death is broken.
For this day paradise is unlocked,
the curse is taken away,
sin is removed,
error driven out,
truth has been brought back,
the speech of kindliness diffused
and spread on every side–
a heavenly way of life
has been implanted on the earth,
angels communicate with us
without fear.

Why is this?
Because God is now on earth,
and humanity is in heaven;
on every side all things commingle.

                             –St. John Chrysostom, 347-407, AD

Christmas blessings to you from New Ways Ministry!