On 25 December the whole Christian world celebrates the Nativity of Christ, a major feast that symbolizes a new beginning and the dream for harmony and peace in the world.

The gospels recount that Christ was born in Bethlehem, a small town in the province of Judea. Shortly before the divine infant came to this world, Roman Emperor Augustus ordered a census in the empire. Everyone had to go to their settlement of birth and get registered. Joseph, a descendant of David had to go to Bethlehem. When he arrived there with Virgin Mary the two could not find an inn to stay the night and found shelter in a cave outside the town where shepherds closed their sheep. It was there that Mary gave birth to her Son, wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger. As Nativity took place a wonderful light lighted up, and here is how Luke's gospel goes: "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger'".

Revisiting the gospels on the Nativity of Christ, we revisit the message that it brings. The Son of God was born not in gilded palaces but in a cave, in a world of darkness. But as the infant came to the earth the whole creation rejoiced the glorified Nativity.

Shepherds were the first to learn about Nativity of Christ and were the first to rejoice at the divine event. Depicted on icons their faces express excitement and surprise. We are not aware of how many Magi came on a visit to infant Jesus led by the star of Bethlehem. They brought three gifts: gold, (or in fact 28 pieces of carefully engraved coins, with various shapes - rectangular, trapezoidal, polygonal, etc.), frankincense and myrrh.

Angels hymn Nativity: in icon-painting some of them look up hymning God, others look down breaking the good news to humans. And their message goes as follows: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among people with whom he is pleased!"

The days around Nativity spell time of magic, a festival of love, a time when the eternal hope that good is going to reign among men. Let all good wishes for peace and light come are fulfilled!

English version Daniela Konstantinova

The audio file offers the following pieces:

1. Today Virgin, Hallelujah Choir

2. Akathist Hymn to the Nativity of Christ, men's choir at St. Nedelya Cathedral in Sofia

3. A Savoir was Born, Hallelujah Choir

4. Glory to God in the highest, men's choir at St. Nedelya Cathedral in Sofia

5. Gradual, men's choir at St. Nedelya Cathedral in Sofia