Bernard of Clairvaux

The twelfth-century abbot and contemplative known to history as `The Mellifluous Teacher ' wrote sermons for the entire Christmas liturgical cycle 'from the first Sunday of Advent (four weeks before Christmas) to the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul (25 January). As he reflects on the wonder of the Incarnation, he reminds Christians still today that Christmas celebrates the awesome condescension of God-with-us, not a commercial carnival.