we awaited a Savior

An Advent / Incarnation reflection from Gregory of Nyssa (c. 335-394)

“Sin, our nature demanded to be healed;
fallen, to be raised up;
dead, to rise again.
We had lost the possession of the good;
it was necessary for it to be given back to us.
Closed in the darkness, it was necessary to bring us the light;
captives, we awaited a Savior;
prisoners, help;
slaves, a liberator.

Are these things minor or insignificant? Did they not move God to descend to human nature and visit it, since humanity was in so miserable and unhappy a state?”