What shall we offer You, O Christ, who for our sakes have appeared on earth as a man? Every creature made by You offers You thanks: the Angels offer a hymn; the heavens, a star; the Wise Men, gifts; the shepherds, their wonder; the earth, its cave; the wilderness, a manger; and we offer You a virgin Mother! O Pre-eternal God, have mercy on us!
––sticheron for Great Vespers of Nativity
Today we celebrate the Son of God–who is Himself true God–being born as true man. Humanity and all creation is sanctified by God’s presence. We rejoice, for by His taking on our fallen human nature we become partakers in his subsequent death on the cross and resurrection.
Here are some pictures from the Vesperal Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great, which we celebrate on the eve of Nativity.
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