In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Beloved brethren, today heaven and earth rejoice together, for the dawn of our salvation has begun to shine. Today, from the righteous Joachim and Anna, barren in the eyes of men but fruitful in the eyes of God, is born the living temple of the Most High, the holy ladder by which God descends and man ascends — the Ever-Virgin Mary, the Theotokos.
Let us contemplate, O faithful, the deep mystery hidden in this feast. For the Lord who governs all ages prepared His dwelling not amid palaces or thrones, but in the pure womb of a lowly maiden. Yet before the overshadowing of the Spirit, before the Annunciation of Gabriel, even before her holy parents’ embrace, the Most High had written her name in His eternal counsel. The birth of the Virgin is not merely the joy of her parents, but the joy of all creation, for through her, the Gate of Paradise shall be reopened.
The barren womb of Anna has become a garden bearing the spotless lily; the silence of Joachim’s house has been broken by the cry of new life, which echoes the promise made to Abraham — that through his seed all nations would be blessed. Thus, in the mystery of the Nativity of the Theotokos, the ancient promises draw near to their fulfillment.
O assembly of the faithful, see how the Lord overturns the wisdom of the proud and exalts the lowly. Where the world sees emptiness, God bestows abundance. Where shame seemed to reign, honor now blossoms. Where barrenness was lamented, fruitfulness now overflows.
And what shall we render unto the Theotokos for her birth? Let us offer her the incense of purity, the flame of love, the gold of obedience, and the myrrh of repentance. Let our souls become as her soul: meek, obedient, watchful in prayer, and full of mercy. For in her we behold the true adornment of womanhood, the crown of all creation, and the bridge between heaven and earth.
Rejoice, O Theotokos, Daughter of Zion! Rejoice, the beginning of our salvation! Rejoice, O Mother of the Light, through whom the Sun of Righteousness shall rise upon us!
Through her holy intercessions, may Christ our God have mercy on us and save us.
Amen.
