It was not in your power not to be born of Adam: it is in your power to believe in Christ.

-- St. Augustine, Exposition on Psalm 71, Section 2

 

If you are one of those who are as yet unclean, ... unfit for sacrifice, and of the gentile portion – then run with the Star, and bear your Gifts with the Magi:  Gold, frankincense, and myrrh, as to a King, to God, and to One who is dead for you.  With Shepherds glorify Him; with Angels join in chorus; with Archangels sing hymns.

A friend who teaches at another university tells me that recently he made his class read Ursula LeGuin’s novel science fiction novel The Lathe of Heaven.  He writes,