The Nativity of Our Lord

 

The Nativity of Christ

December 25

 Troparion of the Nativity of Christ

"Your birth, O Christ our God has shed upon the world the light of knowledge; for through it, those who worshipped the stars have learned from a star to worship You, the sun of Justice, and to recognize You as the Orient from on high. Glory be to you, O Lord!"

 

    The Feast of the Nativity of Christ celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. We sing praises to God who sent His Son as "a little child." We remember the story of his birth in Bethlehem in a cave; the prophets who foretold His coming; the star which revealed His birth and led the shepherds and the wise men to him; His mother Mary; His earthly father, Joseph; and all the joy that came with Christ’s birth.

    Advent is the 40 days before Christmas in which the Church prepares for the celebration of the Nativity of Christ. It is a period of prayer, fasting, and repentance before Christmas, which runs from November 15 through December 24. There are no special services or activities such as those that highlight Great Lent, so it is important that we observe this period of Advent before Christmas, so we can keep "Christ" in Christmas.

Read the story of Christ’s birth in Luke 2:1- 20.