A common poetic technique on Greek literature is known as chiasmus: phrases at the beginning of the poem are mirrored at the end of the poem in reverse order. Thus, the theme of the poem can be found in the middle, where the two patterns cross. The prologue of St. John’s gospel is such a poem and the middle phrase is “to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God.” The lofty language of the “Word becoming flesh” has its meaning in the change that is wrought in us. The patristic way of expressing this truth: God became a human being so that human beings could become divine. The meaning of Christmas is completed in living out our true identity.
