Beloved in the Lord archpastors, all-honourable presbyters and deacons, God-loving monks and nuns, dear brothers and sisters!
Now, as the Church in heaven and on earth glorifies the incarnate God in conciliar unity, I cordially congratulate all of you on the great and radiant feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Today we again turn our mind’s eye to the events that took place more than two thousand years ago in Bethlehem. We behold the meek Infant lying in a manger, surrounded by His Most Pure Mother, righteous Joseph and the shepherds, who were the first to receive the news of the Savior’s coming to earth, and we echo the Bodiless Powers glorifying the Most High Creator, Who through His Only-begotten Son granted peace and good will to people.
St. Gregory the Theologian, revealing the essence of this feast, testified that our celebration is of the coming of God to man, that we might return to God (Oration 38). Now truly the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matt. 3:2): in fulfillment of ancient prophecies the long-awaited Shiloh (Gen. 49:10) has come to earth; unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and his name shall be called the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6).
“My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you” (John 14:27), Christ says to us. What is this peace which the Lord gave to man and which the angels sang at the moment of the Savior’s birth? Has there been less enmity or conflict on earth since then? From everywhere we hear “Peace, peace,” when there is no peace, in the words of the prophet (Jer. 8:11). But the true peace of God, which came down to earth with the Nativity of Christ, passeth all understanding (Phil. 4:7). It does not depend on outward circumstances and is not subject to the sorrows and privations of temporal life. This invincible inner peace is contained in God Himself, Who, having become man, like us in all things except sin, no longer merely acts in our history but is visibly present in it. Now the Word is made flesh and dwells among us, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). The Lord is near, my dear ones — let us never forget this and let us not lose heart! In Him is our strength, our firm hope and spiritual consolation in all circumstances of life.
Bowing before the humble majesty of the miracle of the Incarnation and glorifying the Savior Who has come into the world, we cannot at the same time fail to be troubled by the military events taking place today, which darken the holy Nativity celebration, for, as the apostle notes, whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it (1 Cor. 12:26). In these trials that have befallen the peoples of historical Rus’, it is especially important for us to confirm by deeds our faithfulness to our Christian calling and to show love for one another. It sometimes seems to us that goodness is weak and defenseless, and that little depends on our small effort. But this is not so.
There is an unchanging spiritual principle: love multiplies when we give ourselves to others, when we sacrifice our time for our neighbor, help with material means or simply give him our attention. Then we not only transfigure the world around us but also acquire something very precious within ourselves. In this simple but effective spiritual law lies the secret of true peace and genuine happiness, which every person so strives for. This happiness is not far beyond the seas, as some people believe who chase the phantom illusions of material wealth and a carefree life. True happiness lies in sharing love and joy with those around us and glorifying by good deeds God, Who became incarnate that we might have life, and that we might have it more abundantly (John 10:10). When we let Christ into our hearts and allow Him to act in us, blessed peace and rest reign in our souls (Matt. 11:29), and we become partakers of the Kingdom of God, which is within us (Luke 17:21).
Do we want to embrace the newborn Lord? Then let us embrace the sorrowing and comfort the suffering. Do we wish to touch Christ and, like the wise men of the East, bring gifts pleasing to the Divine Infant? Then let us give our love and care to those close to us, show what mercy we can to those in need and support the despondent. “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matt. 25:40), the Savior testifies.
“The night of the Nativity brings peace and quiet to the universe!” — exclaims St. Ephraim the Syrian, and boldly continues: “This night belongs to the Meek One; therefore let everyone put aside fury and harshness. Now the day of mercy has dawned; let no one avenge an offense done to him. The day of joy has come; let no one be the cause of sorrow and grief to another” (Hymns on the Nativity, I).
Let us heed these wonderful words of the “Syrian prophet of the desert” and open our hearts to the Lord Who became incarnate for our sake. Let us rejoice, for the King and Master of the universe Himself has meekly come to earth to grant us salvation and eternal life. And we, gratefully responding to the Creator’s great love for people, shall sanctify our souls by patient endurance of trials, warm prayer and good deeds for the glory of God.
Once again congratulating all of you, my dear ones, on the bright feast of the Nativity of Christ, I wish unfailing joy and well-being to your homes and families, strength and generous help from the Divine Infant Jesus. May the Creator, the Lover of mankind, the true Lord of history, incline His mercy toward the peoples of Holy Rus’ and bless us all with peace, that we may with one mouth and one heart glorify the incarnate Savior and convincingly testify that God is with us!
+KIRILL, PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA
Nativity of Christ
2022/2023
Moscow