Forefeast of the Nativity of Christ; the Holy Martyr Juliana of Nicomedia (284-305).
Nativity Fast.
Hebrews 10:35-11:7; Mark 9:10-16.
Read Mark 9:10-16
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
Today’s Gospel reading occurs directly after St. Mark’s account of the Transfiguration. We rejoin the disciples who waited at the foot of Mt. Tabor while Jesus, along with Peter, James, and John ascended the mountain. Like those disciples, we too are in a period of waiting. We await the coming celebration of the Nativity of Christ, which will take place only a few days from now.
We read in the Gospel: And when He came to the disciples, He saw a great multitude around them, and scribes disputing with them. Immediately, when they saw Him, all the people were greatly amazed, and running to Him, greeted Him. And He asked the scribes, “What are you discussing with them?” (Mark 9:14-16)
As we approach these last days of the Nativity Fast, having entered into the formal period of the forefeast, we should ask ourselves the same question: What are you discussing?
It can be very easy to give in to the spirit of busyness, after all, there is so much still to do and there is never enough time. Is our conversation all about the tasks that still need to be done to prepare for Christmas? The decorations that must be hung, gifts that must be wrapped, food that must be prepared? If so, perhaps we could try to pause and make some time and space amidst the busyness of the season to reflect on the great mystery that we are about to celebrate – God with Us, revealed to the world.
St. Athanasius the Great reflects that: The Word, therefore, in His loving-kindness, visits the earth, from which He was never really absent. He sees the evil and pities mankind, and takes a body similar to ours. This He prepares for Himself in the womb of a pure and stainless virgin, and personally appropriates it. This body He offered to the Father as a sacrifice on behalf of all, to do away with death; and by this offering He restored to us incorruption, and by His Resurrection He abolished death for ever. (On the Incarnation, 8)
In this context, we can understand that the song of the Holy Angels which we will soon sing: “Peace on earth, goodwill towards men,” is more than a greeting card saying. It is a description of the reality that entered the world in the person of Christ – and will shortly be revealed to men. He is Peace on earth. His very presence is God’s goodwill towards men. “Christmas time” is more than a season of the year – it is God’s work of redeeming all time – of making the time of this world into the timelessness of the age to come.