What I'm looking for here is not a genetic or embryological explanation for Christ's Incarnation, which was miraculous and beyond comprehension. But --- I'm just musing about that "seed of a woman" part.
I read an Orthodox book called "Mary, the Untrodden Threshhold" (or "Portal"?) (sorry, I can't seem to find it now, cluttered house~) which said that from all the generations from Adam & Eve to Joachim and Anna, God was preparing "pure seed" for the coming of the Messiah. Gregory Palamas says something like that, too.
I'm not forming any conclusions here. I'm just musing about what it means. "Pure seed." "The seed of the woman."
You guys got any Isaac-the-Syrian type poetry on this?
And a Merry Christmas to all!
"You guys got any Isaac-the-Syrian type poetry on this?"
How about this?
"Joseph was amazed as he saw what was supernatural. He understood, O Virgin, the rain upon the fleece In thy conception without seed. And he understood the bush that burned without fire and was unconsumed, And Aaron's rod, which blossomed. Indeed, thy betrothed and guardian cried out to the priests: "A virgin gives birth, and after the birth remains a virgin."
and this:
"The Virgin today gives birth to the superessential One, And the earth proffers the cave to the unapproachable One. Angels with the shepherds sing song of praise; The Magi, with the star to guide pursue their way. For us there has been born, A newborn babe, the God before time."
and this:
"The vine which produced the unfertilized fruit carried It as though in the encircling arms of the branches, and said: 'Thou, my fruit, my life, By Whom I am known as I am and was. Thou art my God. As I behold the seal of my virginity unbroken, I proclaim Thee the immutable Word become flesh. I know no seed; I know Thee as one who delivers from corruption; For I am pure after having Thee as issue from me; For Thou hast left my womb as Thou hast found it; Thou hast kept it safe. For this reason the whole creation rejoices with me, crying: Mary, full of grace.'"
All the foregoing from +Romanos the Melodist (a good Syrian boy!).