Nativity of Our Lord

Nativity of Our Lord by Lena Bashara (Dec. ’01)

The birth of Jesus Christ is commemorated as one of the most joyful feast days of the Eastern Orthodox Church. It is surpassed only by Pascha. Jesus’s birth, life, death, and resurrection were offered for us, sinful humans. However, it would not have occurred without the consent of a young woman named Mary. Just imagine what would have happened if Mary had declined to bear Jesus Christ. We, as humans, would never have the option to be saved because Jesus could not die to save us from our sins.

“That the Virgin will conceive and bear the Son of God” reveals the divine nature of Jesus Christ. As Scripture says: “... Then the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus.…’ ” (Luke 1:30- 31) Mary's faithful response makes her the highest model of obedience to God. “Then Mary said, ‘Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.” (Luke 1:38) The Incarnation of the Son of God could not be achieved only by the work of the Trinity, but also required the faith of the Virgin Mary. Therefore, the Virgin Mary is honored not only because God chose her, but because she chose to believe and obey God firmly.

Amidst all the presents and food this holiday, I ask that you keep these things in mind, lest we forget that what we are celebrating is the beginning of our opportunity to be saved.