And the angel said to them: Do not be afraid ... Today a Savior has been born to you

published on 12/25/17 8:00 AM]

БНР Новини

Merry Christmas!

"The Sun of Faith," "Our New Sun" ... That is how authors of theological texts have been defining Christ since the first centuries of the new era. We know that the exact date of Nativity is unknown to this day. The Gospel of St. Luke mentions the place where the Savior was born and just some details of the story give us hints of the time when this takes place.

There is no exact data about celebrating the feast before the 3rd century. According to earlier sources, it was part of the Epiphany celebrations (January 6). It was only in the 4th century that the Nativity of Christ became a holiday on its own. The date of December 25 was chosen due to the time of the winter solstice - the biggest pagan celebration of the Roman cult of the sun, practiced until the 3rd century. The birth of the sun and its victory over the darkness was gradually filled with another meaning - the birth of Jesus that has brought people hope for enlightenment and a new beginning.

According to the New Testament, when the Son of God was born, an unusual light flared in the sky, an angel appeared and turned to the shepherds who were pasturing their flocks near the Bethlehem cave. According to the Gospel of St. Luke the angel said,

Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: “Today in the City of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord! And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!” This gospel text is the basis of one of the most famous chants "Slava vo vishnih" ("Glory to God in the Highest") .

Slava vo vishnih, performed by Men's Choir at ''St. Nedelya'' Cathedral

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In the festive liturgy, the Mother of God is also celebrated.

Holy Mother performed by the Hallelujah Chamber Choir, author of music and conductor Stoyan Babekov

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The Nativity Troparion, which invariably accompanies the holiday and is heard in Orthodox temples, praises the light of knowledge brought by Christ, called the "sun of righteousness."

“Your nativity, O Christ our God, has shone to the world the Light of Wisdom! For by it, those who worshipped the stars, were taught by a star to adore You, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know You, the Orient from on high. O Lord, glory to You.”