The Meaning of Christmas

Within the depth of the Orthodox Christian faith lies simple meanings sometimes referred to as "types" or "prefigurations" which are a prophetic parallel to something which has come or is to come. It is a way of understanding the scriptures which sheds light on them and unveils their hidden meaning. It is the very understanding which, once revealed to the apostles gave them insight to proclaim the truth of the prophets of old and defend the faith with strength and knowledge. This is the very way which Christ opened up the Torah to His disciples.
With this way of reading the Bible, the littlest details of the Nativity in the Synoptic Gospels become images.
The cave our Lord was born in becomes our own souls, which are once barren and then filled with the Light of the World. The womb of the Virgin Mary becomes the fountain of Life as she gives birth to the Creator of Life. Even the wise men who sought Him out bring Him Frankincense (incense used for prayer), Myrrh (used to anoint the dead) and Gold (the finest quality metal to reflect light). These objects are types for the life of a Christian who cries out to God and is transformed through the death of the Old Man to reflect the Light of God.
And so with all the scriptures this typology reveals new explanations for the stories of the past. Typology is revealed through the Divine Services of the Orthodox Church. It is present in the appointed readings of the day and especially present on and around the special feast days of the church. On Christmas Eve the Orthodox Christian is therefore experiencing a timeless observation of the very night of the Nativity of Christ. He is transported to that very night. The priest himself looks down on the blessed Lamb, there on the Diskos, with the Star, as if it were the Star of Bethlehem which shone down on the Christ child. The Altar itself becomes the place where Heaven becomes a cave and a cave becomes Heaven. The chanting of the prayers becomes the very songs of the Angels as we sing... Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabaoth, Heaven and Earth are full of Thy glory. Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!

Fr. Valery Lukianov writes:   Orthodox Christians who pray in church during Liturgy on the great and joyful feast of Christ's Nativity, are likewise transported to far-away Bethlehem, to that holy night which, even after almost two thousand years, is kept in remembrance by the praying heart.

     What do we first hear in the glad tidings of this great Feast? the voice of the angel saying, "Fear not, for I bring you tidings of great joy which shall be for all people" (Luke 2:10). And then we contemplate that wondrous union of heaven and earth in the appearance of the multitude of heavenly host, the angels glorifying God in the jubilant Nativity hymn, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will among men"

     Further we see how the King of heaven and earth, the Creator and Master of the world, reveals to us meekness--in the extreme poverty of His earthly estate; humility --in the lowliness of the cave; and peace and love--in the quiet radiance that shines forth from Him. Indeed, here is that "Gentle Light," that "holy glory"...

     The Nativity of Christ--is this not the wondrous threshold of the earthly ministry of our Saviour? Is it not the first step in His ascent of Golgotha to take upon Himself the frightful sufferings on the Cross for the redemption of the sins of mankind?

     Is this not the first intimation of the forthcoming, glorious Resurrection from the dead? The Nativity of Christ is the beginning of victory over spiritual death, for through the Saviour's advent upon earth, there are prepared heavenly mansions for all men of "good will".


Merry Christmas and Happy Nativity! Christ has descended, from Heaven to Earth!