The Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians (Short Version)
Chapter 19: Three Famous Mysteries
The virginity of Mary was hidden from the prince of this world, as was also her offspring, and the death of the Lord; three renowned mysteries, which were carried out in silence by God. How, then, was He revealed to the world? A star shone in heaven above all other stars, its light inexpressible, while its novelty astonished people. All the other stars, along with the sun and moon, joined in a chorus to this star, and its light was exceedingly greater than them all. There was a stir about where this new spectacle came from, so unlike anything else in the heavens. As a result, every kind of magic was destroyed, and every bond of wickedness vanished; ignorance was removed, and the old kingdom was abolished, with God Himself manifested in human form for the renewal of eternal life. And now what took place had been prepared by God. From then on, all things were in a state of tumult, because He intended the abolition of death.