Eve of the Nativity of Christ; The Holy Venerable-Martyr Eugenia
A day of strict fast and abstinence from meat and dairy and items made with these products.
Today is the last day of our 40-day journey towards Bethlehem to celebrate and enter into the Feast of the Nativity of Christ. All of creation greets this Great Feast with their own gifts. As one of the stichera at Vespers tells us:
O Christ what shall we offer You;* for our sake You appeared on earth as man?* Every creature made by You offers thanks to You.* The angels offer You a hymn; the heavens, a star;* the Magi, gifts; the shepherds, their wonder;* the earth, its cave; the wilderness, the manger:* and we offer You a Virgin Mother.* O pre-eternal God, have mercy on us.
As we exchange gifts tonight and tomorrow and celebrate with our parishes, families, and friends, may we be reminded of the greatest gift we receive this Christmas: the birth of our Saviour.