Christmas message of Pope and Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria:
“Prepare, Bethlehem, for Eden has opened for all. Adorn yourself, Ephrath, for the Tree of Life has blossomed in the Virgin’s cave. Her womb appeared as a spiritual paradise, where the divine plant resides, from which, having tasted, we will live and not die, as Adam did. Christ is born to raise the fallen image.” (Pre-festive apolitikium of the Nativity of Christ)
Beloved children in the Lord, by God’s will, we are blessed to approach the holy day of the Nativity of God the Word, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Incarnation of the Son and Word of God is not merely historical or symbolic, but a unique act of divine Economy with eternal significance. It is an existential call to participate, by grace, in His life and move towards deification by grace. The Word became flesh “by His ineffable love for humanity,” revealing man’s unique value and the way for renewal. Saint John of Damascus says: “We do not say that man became deified, but that God became incarnate” (PG 94, 988), and Saint Maximus the Confessor teaches that the Word is “continuously born” in believers’ souls, making the Incarnation a living reality. Christ, “the first and only true and perfect Man” (St. Nicholas Cabasilas), calls us to true communion with God.
The salvation and joy from the Savior’s Nativity are based on divine will and providence, not human virtues or ideals. Scripture sings: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14). “He who sits in darkness” is to become “sons of light” (cf. 1 Thess. 5:5). The Incarnation expresses divine benevolence, restoring peace and renewing His image in man.
Despite difficulties, wars, and crises worldwide and in Africa – conflicts in Sudan, Congo, Somalia’s humanitarian crisis, economic and social challenges – the peace message remains alive. Christ’s promised peace, born within man and radiating through the Holy Spirit’s grace, is not contingent on historical circumstances. Salvation is a divine blessing and invitation to free communion with the Word. God respects human freedom; grace precedes, but salvation requires human cooperation.
From infancy, Christ aligned with the weak and persecuted. His flight into Egypt, both historical and symbolic, prefigures divine comfort for those in trials. Egypt, welcoming Joseph, Mary, and the newborn Savior, becomes a universal hospitality sign, a throne of the Incommunicable One, and the King of all’s humble palace.
Today’s refugee tragedy, especially children in Africa from Libya to South Sudan, calls us to active love. Every true service to a suffering person – our African brother – is an offering to Christ Himself (cf. Matt. 25:40) and an essential Christian life element.
In modern times, the Nativity of Christ is often secularized and consumer-driven, losing theological depth. Authentic celebration represents spiritual resistance to materialism and participation in the divine Economy’s mystery. The Word “is continually born in the spirit in those who wish,” revealing free divine initiative and love for man. The feast renews Christian life consciousness, educates spiritual freedom, and reveals man’s deification vocation, the goal of common human existence.
The Church, the “Body of Christ,” is the community where grace transforms. She is the “flesh” the incarnate Logos assumed as salvation’s sacrament, sanctifying the world. Through Sacraments and life, the Church testifies to personhood holiness, social justice need, and creation preservation. Her presence isn’t retreat but active effort to transform human reality through worship, service, and love.
In this love spirit, we participated in Nicaea and Constantinople’s festive celebrations for the First Ecumenical Council’s 1700th anniversary. In this love spirit, we prayed in Rome for peace and mutual respect. In this love spirit, we traveled to Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, and Madagascar.
In this love spirit, we pray for the incarnate Christ’s grace and mercy to accompany everyone. May the Theotokos and God-man protect the Church’s faithful children, granting health, peace, spiritual joy, and “every perfect gift from above.” As we reflect on Christmas’ mystery, may Isaiah’s prophetic word, foretelling the saving miracle for centuries
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