Icon of The Nativity of Christ (Christmas) - 20th c. - 00FNC001

Feast Day/Commemorated: December 25

The Joyful Nativity: A Cornerstone of Orthodox Faith

The Feast of the Nativity of Jesus stands as one of the most joyous days in the Orthodox Church calendar, surpassed only by the profound solemnity of the Resurrection of Jesus. This sacred observance, also known as the "Incarnation of Christ" or simply Christmas, celebrates the divine act of God becoming man, entering the world to redeem humanity.

The Scriptural Account of Christ's Birth

The detailed narrative of the Nativity is preserved in the Holy Scriptures, specifically in Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 2:1-20. This timeless account underscores the immense significance of Jesus' birth.

During that era, the mighty Roman Empire dominated vast territories, including Judea and Samaria, known today as Israel. Emperor Augustus commanded a comprehensive census across his domains, necessitating that every individual return to their ancestral home for registration. Consequently, Mary and Joseph, direct descendants of King David, were compelled to journey to Bethlehem, the venerable "City of David."

Their arduous 100-mile journey from Nazareth traversed challenging terrain. With Mary in the late stages of pregnancy, their arrival in an already-crowded Bethlehem left them without shelter. Joseph's diligent search for lodging proved fruitless; there was no room at the inn. Providentially, he secured a humble, cave-like space—a common refuge for shepherds and their flocks during inclement weather. It was within this humble setting that Mary brought forth Jesus, wrapping him in swaddling clothes and laying him in a manger.

On that miraculous night, shepherds tending their flocks in the fields were suddenly enveloped by a blinding light that illuminated the darkness. Overwhelmed by fear, they were reassured by the appearance of an angel, who proclaimed:

"Fear not for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior; which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger" (Luke 2:11-12).

Immediately thereafter, a celestial host of angels joined in praising and glorifying God, singing, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, and good will toward men" (Luke 2:14). As the angelic chorus subsided and the ethereal light faded, the shepherds, deeply moved, resolved to journey to Bethlehem to witness this divine event for themselves. There, they found Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus, humbly falling to their knees in profound adoration.

Concurrently, Wise Men from the East, having observed a celestial sign—a distinctive star announcing the birth of the Jewish king—embarked on a pilgrimage. Their search led them to King Herod, the nefarious ruler of Judea, infamous for his cruelty. Herod, concealing his true murderous intentions, summoned the Wise Men, urging them to locate the child so he might also "worship" Him. However, divinely warned in a dream of Herod's treachery, the Wise Men, after finding and worshipping Jesus and presenting Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, returned to their homeland by an alternate route, thus thwarting Herod's malevolent plan.

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