Embracing the Mystery of Christ’s Birth: Insights from Orthodox Tradition and Early Christian Thought
Matthew 1:18–25: The birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife, but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called his name Jesus.
Introduction: Delving into the Depths of Orthodox Christian Tradition
Welcome to exploring one of Christianity’s most profound mysteries: the birth of Jesus Christ. This journey takes us through the lens of Orthodox Christianity, a tradition deeply rooted in early Christian thought and rich biblical symbolism. Here, we seek to understand why the exact date of Christ’s birth holds less significance than this miraculous event’s spiritual and theological dimensions.
The Resurrection: Historical Ambiguity and Scriptural Silence
The Core of Early Christian Focus
Easter: Celebrating the Cornerstone of Faith
The early Christian church, as documented in the New Testament and reflected in the writings of the Church Fathers, placed significant emphasis on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This event, celebrated at Easter, was considered the cornerstone of Christian faith. Saint Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 15:14), asserts,
“And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.”
This perspective underscores the primacy of the Resurrection over other aspects of Jesus’ life, including the specifics of His birth.
The Gospels’ Focus on Message over Date
The Gospels, rich in Jesus’ teachings and life events, do not specify His birth date. This absence is significant, reflecting the early Church’s focus on the essence of Christ’s message rather than historical details. Saint Augustine, in his sermons, often emphasized the theological significance of Christ’s actions over the chronological specifics.
Cultural Context and Theological Emphasis on Birthdays in Ancient Times
In the cultural milieu of the early Church, birthdays were not marked with the significance they hold today. Theological truths, particularly the Incarnation and its implications, were deemed more crucial. Origen, an early Christian theologian, for example, dismissed the celebration of birthdays, focusing instead on the transformative nature of Christ’s teachings.
The Development of the Christian Liturgical Calendar A Gradual Inclusion of Celebrations
As Christianity grew, its liturgical calendar evolved to include the celebration of Christ’s Nativity. This adaptation was influenced by theological reflection and the need to provide a Christian context to existing cultural practices. The Church Fathers, like Saint John Chrysostom, saw the Nativity celebration as an opportunity to proclaim the Incarnation’s mystery, a central doctrine eloquently defended by Saint Athanasius in his work “On the Incarnation.”
Choosing December 25th: Symbolism and Adaptation of the Light in the Darkness
The selection of December 25th, aligning with the winter solstice, symbolizes Christ as the Light entering the world’s darkness. This imagery is echoed in the Gospel of John (John 1:4–5) where Christ is described as the light shining in the darkness. The choice also offers a Christian alternative to Roman festivals, demonstrating the Church’s ability to repurpose cultural elements for spiritual teaching.
The Julian Calendar: A Tradition of Continuity — Historical Roots and Liturgical Rhythm
The continued use of the Julian calendar by some Orthodox Churches, leading to the celebration of Christmas on January 7th, reflects a commitment to historical continuity. This practice connects modern believers with the Church’s early history and its understanding of time and liturgy.
The Nativity: A Universal Celebration of the Incarnation Beyond the Calendar:
Embracing the Mystery Orthodox Christianity, irrespective of the date, celebrates the Nativity as the manifestation of the Incarnation — God becoming human. This mystery, central to the Christian faith, is less about historical precision and more about embracing the profound truth of God’s love and salvation plan, as echoed in the writings of early Church Fathers like Saint Gregory of Nazianzus.
Conclusion: A Journey Through Tradition and Theology
Receiving hospitality from His own creatures.
Let us also receive Him,
That this divine Child in the cave may make us His guests
In the paradise of delights!
As we explore the Nativity through the rich tapestry of Orthodox tradition and early Christian thought, we are invited to a deeper understanding of this sacred event. The celebration of Christ’s birth is more than a date; it’s a theological journey that connects us with the early Church’s profound reflections on the Incarnation. This season, let us embrace the mystery and universal message of love, peace, and redemption that Christ’s birth brings to the world.
Merry Christmas to you all! Christ is King!
Learn More About Orthodoxy
To learn more about Orthodox Christianity in depth, here are several resources I compiled that provide comprehensive information on its history, teachings, practices, and more:
- Scripture — first and foremost! I think this is pretty self-explanatory, because Orthodox are people of the Book, and believe that our apostolic faith is as scriptural as it is traditional. I personally use this Orthodox Study Bible which does a fantastic job explaining Orthodox understanding of Scripture. No, this isn’t affiliate marketing. However, just for your information, you may find a more affordable alternative to Amazon.
- In person! As Scripture invites us to, Taste and see! Visit your local Orthodox Church, if at all possible — this is the best first-hand source of experiential knowledge. If you are in Houston, my hometown, then I invite you to visit my Church, St. Basil’s, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by Fr. Luke and Fr. John and Deacon John — who teaches Orthodoxy 101
- Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America: Offers a series of talks, shows, and presentations introducing and explaining the basic teachings of Orthodox Christianity. It covers a wide range of topics, from worship to faith and culture. Personally, I have the app installed on my phone so I can follow the Liturgical calendar.
- Discovering Orthodox Christianity Orthodox Road: A resourceful site with a collection of books and writings from Orthodox Christian saints and scholars. It provides deep insights into the spiritual journey and teachings of the Orthodox faith.
- Orthodox Road Resources: American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese of North America: Provides articles on the faith, an introduction to Orthodox Christianity, scripture studies, and frequently asked questions about Orthodox beliefs and practices.
- The Orthodox Church: An Introduction to Eastern Christianity: This resource is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in learning about Orthodox Christianity. Although it can be scholarly at times, it is not too overwhelming for beginners. It is widely regarded as a trustworthy and reliable source, and it is written by Kallistos Ware, practically a household name for Christian Orthodox in the anglophone world. This book is a classic introduction to the literature on the subject. Please note that I am not trying to sell you anything, and this is not an affiliate marketing campaign.
Basic Teachings and FAQs
For those who prefer YouTube channels dedicated to Orthodox Christianity offer a wealth of information through videos and discussions:
- Fr. Spyridon: I love Fr. Spyridon, a British ROCOR Orthodox priest who vlogs digestible teachings on Orthodoxy. Personally speaking, he was indirectly responsible for my inquiry into the faith and I love his novels (have read just about everything he has written).
- Abbot Tryphon: Abbot Tryphon is a highly reliable and trustworthy source for Orthodox Christianity. He is considered one of the greats and, for many, represents a strong pillar of American Orthodoxy. Abbot Tryphon shares lots of great content on YouTube, covering a wide range of topics such as Church History, current events, Scripture, and Church Fathers.
- Trisagion Films: Enjoy well-made productions featuring educational videos on the lives of saints, Orthodox theology, and history that share the faith. Personally love the expose on St. Gabriel of Georgia.
