Eve of the Nativity of Christ. Holy Venerable-Martyr Eugenia.
Nativity Fast. According to liturgical prescriptions, the Divine Liturgy is not celebrated today. The Royal Hours are celebrated today after Matins. The Vespers-Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is celebrated in the late afternoon today. Strict Fast. Abstention from meat and dairy and foods that contain these ingredients.
Hebrews 1:1-12. Luke 2:1-20.
Read Isaiah 7:10-16
This prophecy unfolds during the reign of King Ahaz, who faced threats from powerful neighbouring forces. Instead of placing confidence in the Lord, Ahaz sought alliances with earthly powers. His refusal to ask God for a sign, though cloaked in reverent language, was rooted in disbelief. Isaiah rebuked him for this lack of faith , insisting the Lord would still provide a sign.
Isaiah’s words point to two fulfillments. The first occurs in the birth of Hezekiah, a righteous ruler who reversed his father’s idolatrous path and restored proper worship in Judah. Through Hezekiah, we see a temporary deliverance: the city’s enemies would soon be scattered, and faith would be renewed. Yet Isaiah’s promise also stretches far beyond that moment, hinting at a greater reality: the virgin birth of Christ, our true Immanuel—“God with us.”
As Christians, we see in this passage an enduring call to rely on the One who holds all things in His hands. When faced with confusion or crisis, we can learn from Ahaz’s mistake. Leaning on worldly alliances or political figures might offer fleeting comfort, but it ultimately fails to provide lasting security. Isaiah’s message, then and now, is a summons to cling firmly to the Lord. The sign of Immanuel (Emanuel) reveals God’s definitive intention to dwell among us, granting genuine hope when human promises fall short.
In our own struggles, this prophecy challenges us to consider where we seek rescue. Do we chase after earthly solutions, or do we trust the God who has already come near to save? The name Immanuel reminds us that the Lord does not leave His people abandoned. Rather, He enters directly into our midst, guiding us to choose the good and reject evil, and leading us toward the peace that only He can establish. By turning away from fleeting supports and placing our full confidence in Christ, we discover the faithful presence of the One who is truly “God with us.”