THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
The other leaders presented their gifts in succession, reaching up to the twelfth with equal magnificence, and each was allotted a specific day, as commanded by God. Palladius inquired about the significance of such a diverse offering. Cyril responded that while it is indeed an offering, it also holds a profound symbolic meaning that relates to Immanuel and to ourselves. I will do my best to clarify this. When the holy and true tabernacle, which is the Church, manifested in this world, Christ, shining forth in various ways, is virtually offered to God and the Father as a sacred sacrifice, serving as a ransom and substitute for all humanity, being One who is equal to all.
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When the Only-begotten took on human form, He offered Himself to God and the Father as if He were the very foundation of human nature, embodying purity and sanctity that naturally and essentially resides within Him, as He is thought and is God, yet brought together with His humanity. In this way, He was uniquely represented in the offering made by the leaders: just as Christ is now offered by those who present themselves in the course of history, perceived and honored by various titles.