Nativity of Christ
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-21)—the birth of the incarnate Son of God. Matthew relates that Mary, while betrothed to Joseph and before they lived together as husband and wife, was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Joseph resolved to dismiss her quietly, but an angel of the Lord told him not to fear taking Mary as his wife. Her son was to be named Jesus, “for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew sees the event as fulfilling the promise of Emmanuel, “God with us.”