Advent Reflections Day 9

Feast of the Immaculate Conception: December 9

“O noble Virgin, truly you are greater than any other greatness. For who is your equal in greatness, O dwelling place of God the Word? To whom among all creatures shall I compare you, O Virgin? You are greater than them all O Covenant, clothed with purity instead of gold! You are the Ark in which is found the golden vessel containing the true manna, that is, the flesh in which divinity resides.” 

Athanasius,
Homily of the Papyrus of Turin 71:216 (ante AD 373).