"You would have suffered eternal death, had Jesus not been born in time. Never would  you have been freed from sinful flesh, had he not taken on himself the likeness of sinful flesh. You would have suffered everlasting unhappiness, had it not been for this mercy. You would never have returned to life, had he not shared your death. You would have been lost if he had not hastened to your aid. You would have perished, had he not come." (St. Augustine).  Meditate on these words as you enter into the celebration of the great day of God's Love for us. Remember it is his birth we are celebrating, not just another holiday, but a holyday.