Forefeast of the Nativity of Christ; The Holy Great-Martyr Anastasia (305)
Hebrews 9:8-10, 15-23; Mark 8:22-26
Nativity Fast.
Read Hebrews 9:8-10, 15-23
There is a wonderful book of reflections and meditations by Fr. Thomas Hopko called The Winter Pascha which draws many parallels between the Great Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord and the Feast of His Glorious Resurrection. The book points out how through the structure of the liturgical services, their prophecies and hymnography, these two feasts are interconnected and their themes are interwoven.
In his book, Fr. Thomas illustrates how Jesus was born to die. His Nativity is connected to the cross. His baptism in the Jordan, which we will celebrate on January 6, is connected to His rising from the dead. When we look at the Nativity icon, we see Christ wrapped as if He is being buried and laid in what looks like a tomb. He was born to die.
As we prepare for the Great Feast of His Nativity in the flesh while currently reading through the Epistle to the Hebrews, may we be reminded of the purpose of His Nativity: to make of Himself a perfect sacrificial offering for our sakes that we may inherit eternal life.