The Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
Bible Readings:
Epistle: Galatians 4:4-7
Gospel: St. Matthew 2:1-12
Liturgical Services:
Christ is born, glorify Him.
Christ has come from the heavens.
receive Him
Christ is on earth, elevate Him.
Sing unto the Lord, all the earth.
And you nations, praise Him with joy,
for He has been glorified
—Vesper Service of the Nativity
Your Nativity, O Christ our God, has shed the light of knowledge upon the world. Through it those who had been star-worshippers learned through a Star to worship You, O Sun of justice, and recognize in You the One who rises from on high. –Apolytikion of the Nativity
Heaven and earth are united today, for Christ is born! Today God has come upon earth, and man has gone up to heaven. Today, for man’s sake, is seen in the flesh He who by nature is invisible. Therefore let us give glory and cry aloud to Him: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, which Your coming has bestowed upon us, O Savior, Glory to You!
—Great Vespers of the Nativity
The Mother of God:
Today the Virgin gives birth to the Transcendent in Essence, and the earth presents a cave to the Inaccessible. The angels with the shepherds sing His glory, and the Wise Men with the Star travel on their way, for to us is born a New Child, who is God from all eternity. –Kontakion of the Nativity
Scripture Verse:
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (St. Matthew 2:11).
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Today in Bethlehem hear I
Sweet Angel voices singing:
All glory be to God on high.
Who peace on earth is bringing.
The Virgin holdeth more
Than highest heaven most holy.
Light shines on what was dark before.
And lifteth up the lowly.
God will that peace shall be on earth
And holy exultation.
Sweet Babe. I greet Thy spotless birth
And wondrous Incarnation.
Today in Bethlehem hear I
Even the lowly singing;
With angel-words they pierce the sky;
All earth with joy is ringing.
—St. John of Damascus
~ Presbytera Emily Harakas & Fr. Anthony Coniaris, DAILY MEDITATIONS and Prayers for the CHRISTMAS ADVENT Fast and Epiphany: Living the Days of Advent and Epiphany according to the Orthodox Church Calendar
