Nativity of Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ

December 25, 2024

Nativity of Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to send her away quietly. But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emman′u-el” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife, but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called his name Jesus. (Matthew 1:18-25 RSV)

The icon is of the Nativity of Christ.

News of the Christian East

Feasts & Fasts - December

Holy Prophet Habakkuk 

God came from Teman, and the Holy One from Mount Paran.

His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise.

His brightness was like the light, rays flashed from his hand; and there he veiled his power.

(Habakkuk 2:3-4 RSVCE)

Habakkuk was one of the Twelve Minor Prophets, of the Tribe of Simeon. He lived in the 5th century B.C. In his book, which is part of the Old Testament of the Bible, he agonizes over the problem of evil, and how evil seems to triumph over good. The first verse quoted above prophesizes Jesus as the One who visits His people and is used in the Royal Hours of the Nativity. 

November 15 - December 24
Nativity Fast

December
6 St Nicholas the Wonderworker and Archbishop of Myra in Lycia
9 (8) The Conception of the Most Holy Mother of God by the Righteous Anna
10 Second Sunday Before Christmas (Holy Forefathers)
12 Our Lady of Guadalupe (Ruthenians, USA)
18 Sunday Before Christmas (Holy Fathers)
24 Christmas Eve
25 The Nativity of our Lord God and Savior, Jesus Christ

Please continue to pray for a swift and peaceful conclusion to the wars in Ukraine, the Middle East, Ethiopia and every conflict worldwide. Please also pray for the peace and safety of all those who are deprived of liberty. The Eparchy of Passaic is collecting stipends to support priests in Ukraine. The Eparchy of Newton is collecting donations to support the Church in the Middle East. Please support them as best you can!!

Teachings of Christ the Savior

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9 ESV)

Truth to Live By

"My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you." (Proverbs 3:1,2 ESV)

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