The Nativity of Jesus Christ

On December 25th/January 7th, Orthodox Christians around the world celebrate the birth in the flesh of our Lord and God and Savour Jesus Christ. Seeing that the human race was tormented by the devil, our most benevolent God felt compassion and sending his angel Gabriel He told the Virgin Mary (Theotokos) through him: "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.". And she said: "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." And immediately our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son and Word of God, was conceived in her pure and virgin womb. During Mary's last month of pregnancy, Caesar Augustus ordered a census around the whole world. Proconsul Kyrenios was sent to Jerusalem to conduct it. That is when Joseph, the guardian of Theotokos, went to Bethlehem together with her to be registered. They were unable to find a place to stay due to the multitude of people; and since the Theotokos was about to give birth they entered a shabby cave and there she gave birth to our Lord Jesus Christ. There she swaddled Jesus and she placed Him in the manger.

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! (Troparion)