The Birth of Lord Jesus Christ
January 6, 2021
Apostles told the story of the Birth of Lord Jesus Christ, as written in their gospel: During the reign of Roman Empire, the Romans conquered Judea and Samaria, known today as Israel. Then, Emperor Augustus ordered a census for he could know how the inhabitants living in his empire to tax them. People had to go to their family’s town to register for the census; Saint Mary and Righteous Joseph were the descendants of Prophets David, so they had to go to Bethlehem for the registration, since the City was of King’s David’s’. (Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 2:1-20)
Saint Mary and Righteous Joseph were living in Nazareth at that time and Bethlehem was 100 miles over very rugged roads. Saint Mary was expecting to give birth to her beloved son. When they arrived in Bethlehem, there was no place for them to stay because Bethlehem was a small town and there were many descendants of David who had come to register for the census. Joseph tried very hard to find a place though no room at the inn was available. But, he found a cattle’s cave for they could rest. So, The Savior of the world, Lord Jesus Christ was born in a cave that was used as a stable. Having given birth to the divine Infant without travail, the Saint Virgin Mary “wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger.” In the stillness of midnight, the proclamation of the birth of the Savior of the world was heard by three shepherds watching their flocks by night. (Wisdom of Solomon 18:14-15, Luke 2:7)
The shepherds were out in the fields guarding their sheep and suddenly, there was a bright light turning the night into day. The shepherds were frightened for they have seen nothing as such as this. Soon, an angel appeared and calmed them saying: “Fear not for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior; which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:11-12)
Then, mass of angels appeared; praised and glorified God singing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, and good will toward men.” Afterwards, the angels finished singing, they disappeared; so, the light began to fade. It became dimmer and dimmer until it was dark again. The shepherds were amazed that they decided to leave their flocks of sheep and go to Bethlehem, seeking to confirm for themselves the angels words. Arriving in Bethlehem, they found Saint Mary, Righteous Joseph and the infant Jesus, so, they fell to their knees and bowed. (Luke 2:14)
Later on, wise men came from the East lead by a star indicating the cave where the son of God was born. They knew of the coming of Jesus, and thus, followed the star and were looking for the child. The governor of Judea King Herod hearing about the Wise Men looking for the child invited them to his palace earlier. He was a wicked man feared and hated by the people. Herod asked the Wise Men to find the child so that he, too, could worship Him. But Herod was lying for he wanted to kill the Lord Jesus fearing he could take his throne.
When the Wise Men found Saint Mary, Joseph and Lord Jesus, they fell to their knees and worshipped Him. They gave HIM gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The Wise Men left but did not return to Herod. They had a dream that warned them that Herod wanted to harm Jesus. Instead, they returned to their native country by a different route.
The day that our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ was born is celebrated by all Orthodox Christians from that time on for HE is our Salvation who sacrificed HIS life.
We wish all Ethiopian Orthodox Christians a Happy Holiday.
Source: “Icon of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” written by the hand of Athanasios Clark and used with permission”
