One of the most commonly overlooked events in the story of the nativity is the annunciation of Christ’s birth to the shepherds (Luke 2:8-20). First, the shepherds hear the Angel’s message to the shepherds: that “unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).…

As we approach the incarnation and nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, many faces surround this blessed mystery. One of the prominent faces of Advent is the Magi, who were earnest in their search for the truth. We read about the Magi in the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 2. The Magi came from…

When we think of examples of obedience in Scripture, our minds often turn to Abraham or St. Mary the Theotokos, who each submitted entirely to the will of the Lord. Yet, St. Joseph is frequently an overlooked and profound example of obedience. Through St. Joseph, we encounter a quieter, but no less profound, example of…

The Faces of AdventHumility and Acquiescence – St Mary When attempting to write about the humility and complete surrender of St Mary, words fall short of the greatness they are intended to convey. To say she is unique among all mankind does not do her justice. Entire hymns and prayers have been composed to praise…

St. John the Baptist is most commonly known as the forerunner of Christ, the one who went before the Lord to prepare His way. His role as forerunner, however, is seen not only during Christ’s public ministry but even in the events surrounding the incarnation and nativity of our Lord. St. John was born to…

The importance of the book of Isaiah cannot be understated. Isaiah is the most frequently quoted prophet in the New Testament, referenced over 100 times. His book carries two major themes. First, Isaiah exposes the spiritual decline of Israel, God’s chosen people, and how they turned away from the One who rescued them. Second, he…

The early Church and many of the apostolic fathers referred to the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as the “incarnation.” This title stems from the Latin word incarnari, which means to be made flesh. These words are echoed in the Gospel of John, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,…

Perhaps one of the most well-known refrains in our Coptic Psalmody comes from the Friday Theotokia: He took what is ours and gave us what is His; we praise and glorify Him and exalt Him. This verse is often meditated upon in the context of offering, where God takes the little we have and gives…

As we enter the season of Kiahk, we must prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate the Nativity, the Incarnation of our Lord and Savior. This Holy season of reflection is not just about the birth of Jesus but also about the mystery of why He came into the world. What we aim to understand…

There are many prophecies in the Book of Psalms that foreshadow what Christ went through. For example, Psalm 22 talks about the sufferings Christ experienced on the Cross. Psalm 24 is a prophecy that points to when Christ opened the gates of Paradise. Psalm 16-10, “For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or…