The answer
The heart of St. Jacob of Sarug burned with the desire to flee and enjoy the vision of Him who sits upon the cherubim. Yet, at the same time, his thoughts fled to the manger to behold Him in the embrace of St. Mary. He said:
“Where among the ways of the mind can it flee to search for You? What paths are suitable for words to take that they may encounter Your glories?
Where can You be found? On the chariot? (Ezek. 1:26) or with Mary? With Your Heavenly Father or with Joseph in the land of Judah?
In the bosom of Your Father or are you in truth in bosom of Mary? With the mother according to the flesh or on the crystal throne (Ezek. 1:22, Rev. 4:6)?
Shall You be found on the fiery wings with mystical feathers (2 Sam. 22:11; Ps. 18:10) or borne on Your mother’s arms?
Shall I behold You on the cherubim or shall I behold Your splendor abiding on the knees of the faithful woman (Luke 1:45)?
Is Your brilliance in the multitude of the glittering bursts of flame or in the poor swaddling clothes in the manger (Luke 2:7)?”
Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty