Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States

2016 Nativity Festal Message


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My Dear and Beloved Children,

It fills my heart with much happiness to greet each of you with the glad tidings of joy, the same that were proclaimed by the angel on that remarkable night when the Savior of the world was born (Luke 2:10). Today, we celebrate together the astounding and magnificent feast of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is this amazing time in history that we not only recall, but relive. Accepting the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ is the only hope for the world. This is the beginning of God’s plan for the salvation of all humanity. It is a season of rejoicing and enlightenment.

Joy is realized when it is shared. Christians are commissioned to carry Christ’s message of salvation throughout the world. Many of us have settled in countless countries around the globe, not merely for a better life for our children and ourselves, but that all whom we meet may thirst for the hope of salvation in Christ the Savior and long to drink of "the fountain of living waters" (Jeremiah 17:13) and to acquire the everlasting life. We are Christ’s disciples in this twenty-first century, appointed to plant seeds and water the earth so that it will harvest the greatest gift of all—eternal life for those who chose. Dispersed abroad, yet we are bound in the unity of the Spirit by one Lord, one faith, and one baptism (Ephesians 4:5).

The Nativity of Christ is a season distinguished by candles, stars, and angels. These are all external symbols of light, which commonly take form at night. Light is most recognizable in the dark. The birth of Christ the King took place in the midst of one holy night, just as the world began in void, darkness, and without form (Genesis 1:1). But the Holy Spirit looked upon our hollow souls as He did in the beginning over the deep waters. "God commanded, 'Let there be light'; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness" (Genesis 1:2-4). This is He who did the same with us by separating us from the dark forces in the world when we were baptized and consecrated unto Him.

Learn from the wise men that followed the star to Christ the King and rejected the gloom of an unfulfilling philosophical life. Separate yourself from compelling sins that lurk in the dark side of your mind where the evil one furnishes recipes of deceit. Do not underestimate the great light that is in you. "He made the stars also. God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness" (Genesis 1:16-18). Today, people are yearning to follow someone—anyone. Who can lead them in the dark if the leaders themselves relish in darkness? Who can lead them to eternal life if your light is not shining bright and your star is not realized from afar? You behold Christ the Savior in your soul. You are His preferred manger. You are the light in the world and this world needs you (Matthew 5:14-16).

Like the shepherds in the fields that kept watch over their flock at night, and our priests caring for their flocks through murky experiences in life, Christ came to us as the Good Shepherd and High Priest and illuminated our minds and hearts with His glory. "And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid" (Luke 2:8-9). Where God is, there is light, and where there is light, there is no fear. "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it" (John 1:4-5). What is this light and life, but His love? We may not have full comprehension of this infinite and unconditional love; yet it does exist, but only with God whose love is boundless and immeasurable.

Spread your light generously that it may vividly shine ever so radiantly proclaiming that Christ is born. Accepting the role of being a light in your own life and in the lives of others will quench you with peace and contentment. Because God loves us, His love abounds in grateful hearts—though unworthy, yet we are most thankful. Indebted for His love, we accept to be His light in the world. "Be a herald of God’s goodness, for God rules over you, unworthy though you are; for although your debt to Him is so great, yet He is not seen exacting payment from you, and from the small works you do, He bestows great rewards upon you" (St. Isaac the Syrian).

I wish you all a very blessed Nativity Feast and a year filled with light, love, and a good life full of joy and hope. Together, we ask our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to protect our Church and preserve the life of our father and patriarch, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, for many years and peaceful times.

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" (Luke 2:14).

Bishop Youssef
Bishop, Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States


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