To the Clergy, the Monastic Communities, and the blessed faithful of the Holy Metropolis of Chicago:
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which means, God is with us.” — Isaiah 7:14 / Matthew 1:23
As we celebrate the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we reflect on the profound truth of the Incarnation: God is with us. The Word and Creator of all has entered our world “for us and for our salvation.” This feast reminds us that in Christ, our longings are fulfilled, and we find purpose in Him.
Saint Porphyrios of Kafsokalivia wisely states, “Christ is love, joy, and peace. When you have Christ, you have everything.” These words encapsulate the essence of Christmas:
Christ is Love: Christ’s birth is the ultimate expression of God’s love. Saint Gregory the Theologian
notes, “Love brought God down; love made Him descend, that we might ascend.” Through His incarnation, Christ entered our suffering to lift us toward His divine life. This is a personal invitation to love Him and encounter Him intimately. May we trust that as we embrace Christ, He will carry us into the heights of God’s healing love.
Christ is Joy: The angel proclaimed, “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy.” The joy of Christ’s birth is authentic and enduring, arising from God’s presence in our lives. Saint Seraphim of Sarov said, “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is joy.” As we celebrate Christmas, let us embrace this joy and cultivate the Holy Spirit within us through prayer, almsgiving, and acts of kindness.
Christ is Peace: In a world of division, Christ’s birth is a proclamation of peace. The angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” This peace begins in our hearts and extends to our relationships. As St. Basil the Great said, “Peace is the mark of a true Christian; it is the fruit of love.” This Christmas, let us welcome Christ into our lives and strive to reconcile and foster harmony around us.
A Christmas Invitation: As we gather to celebrate, remember St. Porphyrios’ words: “Christ is love, joy, and peace. When you have Christ, you have everything.” He fulfills our deepest yearnings for love, joy, and peace. Without Him, earthly pursuits are empty; with Him, we lack nothing. Wishing you and your families a blessed Christmas filled with His love, joy, and peace.
Christ is Born! Glorify Him!
† NATHANAEL
Metropolitan of Chicago
