In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. One God. Amen.
Beloved brethren, royal sons and daughters of the New Zion, today heaven and earth are united, for the King of Glory has descended to dwell among us. The eternal Logos, through whom all things were made, has wrapped Himself not in celestial fire but in the swaddling bands of humility. The uncontainable One has made Himself containable, the Invisible has become visible, the Unapproachable has drawn near.
In the cave of Bethlehem shines forth the Light before the ages, and the Virgin becomes more spacious than the heavens, for she bears in her womb Him whom the heavens cannot contain. Today the ancient prophecy is fulfilled: “Behold, the Virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Emmanuel, which means: God is with us.”
O mystery beyond words! The Almighty Creator lies as a babe in the manger; the Commander of angelic hosts is attended by simple shepherds; the One who thunders from Sinai is silent in the arms of His mother. The poor and humble become His first adorers; the wise from distant lands hasten bearing gifts, recognizing the true King not enthroned in marble halls, but resting among beasts of burden.
Brethren, do we see what the world in its blindness cannot? The Nativity of Christ is not merely the remembrance of His birth, but the proclamation of the new creation. For as the first Adam brought death through pride, the Second Adam brings life through humility. In His lowly birth is our exaltation; in His poverty is our true wealth; in His meekness is the conquest of the tyrant.
Let us then imitate the holy Theotokos in her obedience, the righteous Joseph in his faithfulness, the shepherds in their zeal, and the Magi in their offering. But above all, let us offer our hearts as living mangers, pure and prepared to receive the King.
Today, the heavens declare the glory of God and the angels chant their immortal hymn: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill among men.” Let this peace reign in our hearts, in our families, in our communities, and in our Empire, that we may become true citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem.
Through the prayers of the Most Holy Theotokos, and of all the saints who rejoiced at His appearing, may the Light of Bethlehem shine brightly in us all the days of our lives.
Amen.
