Beloved in the Lord archpastors, all-honourable presbyters and deacons, God-loving monks and nuns, dear brothers and sisters!
I cordially congratulate all of you on the bright feast of the Nativity of Christ.
Today the Church in heaven and on earth triumphs, rejoicing at the coming into the world of our Lord and Savior, and offers praise and thanksgiving to God for His mercy and love for the human race. With spiritual awe we listen to the words of the hymn: “Christ is born, glorify Him! Christ comes from heaven, meet Him!” (Irmos of the Nativity canon). With reverence and hope we look upon the cave of Bethlehem, where in a poor manger lies the Divine Infant wrapped in swaddling clothes.
Truly today is accomplished “the great mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels” (1 Tim. 3:16). It is impossible to fully penetrate with the mind the mystery of the Incarnation. It is impossible to fully comprehend how He Who is the source of life for all that exists is now warmed by the breath of animals! The Creator of the universe humbles Himself, taking the form of His creation! The Son of God becomes the Son of Man! “Do not inquire how this is, ” warns St. John Chrysostom, “where God wills, the order of nature is overcome. He willed, He was able, He descended and He saved. All things obey God. Today He Who Is is born, and He Who Is becomes what He was not. Being God, He becomes man, without ceasing to be God” (Homily on the Nativity of our Savior Jesus Christ).
Celebrating the world-saving feast of the Nativity of Christ, we reflect on its enduring spiritual meaning and its key significance for all mankind. And this is right. But it is also important to realize the personal dimension that the mystery of the Incarnation has for each of us, for it is no accident that in our prayers we address the Lord, calling Him our Savior.
We know from experience that a person cannot overcome the evil within himself on his own, however persistently he tries. Sin, which has deeply struck the soul and damaged human nature, cannot be overcome by any spiritual practices or psychological training. Only God is able to heal the whole person and restore him to his original beauty. “Why then did our Lord clothe Himself in flesh?” asks St. Ephraim the Syrian, and answers: “So that the flesh itself might taste the joy of victory and be filled with and come to know the gifts of grace…, so that people might be lifted up to Him as on wings and find rest in Him alone” (Commentary on the Diatessaron, ch. 1). The Incarnation of Christ frees us from slavery to sin and opens the way to salvation.
“I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness” (John 12:46), the Lord testifies. Like the bright Star of Bethlehem that led the wise men from distant lands to the Divine Infant Jesus, we Christians, being true children of light (John 12:36), are called to illumine this world with the light of faith (Matt. 5:14), so that those around us, seeing the example of our steadfastness and courage, long-suffering and spiritual nobility, magnanimity and unfeigned love for our neighbors, “may glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Pet. 2:12).
Today, when the peoples of the earth are going through the difficult trial of a new disease, when people’s hearts are gripped by fear and anxiety about the future, it is especially important for us to intensify common and private prayer and to offer the Lord increased labor in doing good. Many of our brothers and sisters are now deprived of the opportunity to attend church because of the harmful pestilence. Let us offer petitions for them to the Merciful Creator, that He may renew their strength of soul and body, grant the sick a speedy recovery and send His help to doctors and all medical workers selflessly fighting for their health and lives.
Let us remember that no problems can break the human spirit if a person keeps a living faith and relies on God in all things. Therefore let us accept without murmuring the trials that have befallen us, for if we put our trust in Him, He shall be for us a sanctification, for God is with us (rite of Great Compline), as the Church of Christ sings in these holy days of the Nativity. Let us pray that the incorruptible light of the Godhead may illumine the poor cave of our life too, and that our contrite and humble heart, like the manger of Bethlehem, may reverently receive the Savior Who has come into the world.
God is not cramped in a human heart if it is filled with love. “He who practices love will dwell with the Angels and reign with Christ”, testifies St. Ephraim the Syrian (Discourse on Virtues and Vices, 3). Let the holy days of the feast become for us a special time for doing good deeds. Let us use this grace-filled opportunity and glorify the newborn Jesus Christ by showing mercy to our neighbors, helping those in need and comforting the sorrowing — and perhaps first of all those suffering from the coronavirus infection or its consequences.
May the Lord enlighten the peoples of the earth with the light of His knowledge, bless them with peace and help us all to realize our common responsibility for the present and future of the planet. May the newborn Divine Infant send love and harmony into our families, and protect our young people and all of us from sins and dangerous mistakes. Once again I cordially congratulate you, my dear ones, on the radiant feast of the Nativity of Christ, and wish everyone good health, unfailing joy and generous help from God — the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world (John 1:9). Amen.
+KIRILL, PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA
Moscow
Nativity of Christ
2020/2021