During this Nativity Fast, we have been delving into the different Theotokias, which are deep praises that give us theological insights into the nature of God and the characteristics of St. Mary. Previously, we looked at the refrain said during the Monday Theotokia. Today, we will discuss the refrain in Tuesday’s Theotokia, which reads “For of His own will, and the pleasure of His Father, and the Holy Spirit, He came and saved us.”
The first part of the refrain “For of His own will” is an important reminder that Jesus did not come down because He had to or solely because He was being obedient to God the Father. He willingly came down and became Man. He wanted to save us from the pangs of death and the cost was His Crucifixion on the Cross. St. Athanasius writes in On the Incarnation “This He did out of sheer love for us, so that in His death all might die, and the law of death thereby be abolished because, having fulfilled in His body that for which it was appointed, it was thereafter voided of its power for men.” (On the Incarnation, Paragraph 8). During this time of Kiahk, it is important to remember that He became human, and He willed to die on our behalf.
Yes, Jesus became Man on His own will, but is it also for “the pleasure of the Father and the Holy Spirit.” When thinking about the purpose of Christ’s Incarnation, it is to save us. St. Paul writes “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death He might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil” (Hebrews 2:14). Through conquering the one who has power over death, we are granted the ability to Eternal Life. This idea is echoed by St. Athanasius in On the Incarnation and other patristic Fathers. But, at the same time, Jesus said Himself, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will but the will of Him Who sent me” (John 6:38). The Father also wanted us to spend eternity with Him. After all, it was only after the Fall that God said “For you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19). Only after man sinned against God did death have a hold over humanity. Yes, Jesus came down out of His love for us, but at the same time, God the Father intended for us to spend eternity with Him. Therefore, it was the pleasure of the Father that Jesus took flesh.
Considering we are in the season of Kiahk, the refrain for the Tuesday Theotokia is very timely as it addresses the Incarnation–that Jesus came down out of His Love for us and that it is also the will of the Father and the Holy Spirit that we spend eternity with Him. May we always remember the depth of Christ’s sacrifice and continue to glorify Him.
Only after man sinned against God did death have a hold over humanity.