However, in the fourth century, the Church in Rome separated the celebration of the Nativity of Christ from the Feast of His Baptism, fixing the date of the Nativity on December 25. This decision was accepted by the other Churches, and the Feast of the Nativity of Christ was established on this day throughout the Christian world.
Today, the celebration of the Nativity of Christ is one of the most joyous and important feasts in the Christian calendar. It is a time of great rejoicing, as we commemorate the birth of our Savior, who came into the world to bring salvation to all mankind. It is a time of hope and renewal, as we reflect on the incredible love that God has shown us in sending His Son to be born among us.
As we gather with our loved ones to celebrate this holy feast, let us remember the true meaning of Christmas – the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Let us open our hearts to His love and mercy, and strive to live out His teachings in our daily lives. May the joy and peace of the Nativity be with you and your family this Christmas season and always. Amen.
This miraculous event, the Nativity of Christ, is a cause for great celebration and rejoicing. The angels in heaven proclaimed the good news to the shepherds, and the Magi came from the East to worship the new-born King. The humble circumstances of His birth on earth were contrasted by the majestic celebration in heaven, demonstrating the significance of this momentous occasion.
As we celebrate the Nativity of Christ, we remember the profound impact His birth had on the world. The Savior was born to bring peace, joy, and salvation to all mankind. This Feast serves as the foundation for all other Feasts, highlighting the central role of Christ in the life of every believer.
Let us join with the angels in glorifying God and celebrating the birth of our Savior. Christ is Born! Let us rejoice in the miraculous gift of His Nativity and give thanks for the salvation He brings to all who believe.
Then the shepherds came in from the fields, directed by an angel of God, and worshiped Him as the Messiah and Savior.
The shepherds heard a multitude of God’s angels singing: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men (Luke 2:14). At that time three wise men arrived from the east, led by a wondrous star, bearing their gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. They worshiped Him as the King of kings, and offered Him their gifts (Matthew 2).
Thus entered the world He Whose coming was foretold by the prophets, and Who was born in the same manner in which it had been prophesied: of a Most-holy Virgin, in the town of Bethlehem, of the lineage of David according to the flesh, at the time when there was no king in Jerusalem of the lineage of Judah, but rather when Herod, a foreigner, was reigning. After many types and prefigurings, messengers and heralds, prophets and righteous men, wise men and kings, finally He appeared, the Lord of the world and King of kings, to perform the work of the salvation of mankind, which could not be performed by His servants. To Him be eternal glory and praise! Amen.
Apolytikion of Holy Nativity
Fourth Tone
Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, hath shined the light of knowledge upon the world; for thereby they that worshipped the stars were instructed by a star to worship Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know Thee, the Dayspring from on high. O Lord, glory be to Thee.
Kontakion of Holy Nativity
Third Tone
Today, the Virgin bears Him who is transcendent, and the earth presents the cave to Him who is beyond reach. Angels, along with shepherds glorify Him. The Magi make their way to Him by a star. For a new child has been born for us, the God before all ages.
Source: vema.com.au, oca.org / goarch.org / westserbdio.org