The Nativity Season begins today (November 15) and extends through the Leavetaking of Theophany on January 14. The season should be seen as something of a single spiritual undertaking, much like that of Lent/Pascha. Our culture separates Christmas out and treats it as though it stands alone. It ignores the feast of St. Nicholas (Dec. 6) and simply puts him in their department stores and front lawns as Santa Claus. The Fast is completely unknown, as is Christ's Theophany (Baptism), vaguely referenced in "The Twelve Days of Christmas."
The Feast of the Mother of God's Entrance into the Temple as a child falls within the Fast (November 21) and should be carefully noted. There will be a vigil on the night before and a Divine Liturgy on that day.
The Feast of St. Nicholas is December 6, a Tuesday this year. "St. Nicholas" will make a visit to the parish for the children on Sunday, December 4.
Everything intensifies as we draw near to the actual Feast of Christ's Birth on December 25, much like things intensify in Holy Week before Pascha. Look carefully for announcements of the extra services that are part of the feast.
Nativity concludes with the Feast of Christ's Baptism (Theophany) on January 6, with the Blessing of the Waters. The Feast falls on a Friday this year. Extra services surround this Great Feast as well. We will bless the waters at the Marina on Sunday, January 8.
The entrance of Christ into our world as a man is the revelation of God's love for the world and the meaning and purpose of all things. It is easy to treat our own lives and day to day business as the meaning and purpose of all things, making a little time for God as we are able. This easily distorts things and creates problems for our lives that we encounter in many, many ways.
As we prepare for this Great Feast, let us struggle to return to our senses and place God above all things in our lives. In His great humility, He placed us above all things in His Life.
