“Christ is born, glorify him! Christ came from heaven, welcome Him! Christ is on earth, exult! Sing to the Lord all the earth, Joyfully praise Him all you nations, For He has become glorious!”
With these inspiring words, Saint Gregory of Nazianz (d. 390) began his famous sermon On the Nativity, which was later incorporated into the Canon of the Nativity by St. Cosmas of Maiuma (d. 760) . We can also trace the origin of our traditional Christmas greeting: Christ is born! Glorify Him! to th is source. Throughout the preNativity period, which in our rite begins on November 21 st, we are given a glimpse of the mystery of the Incarnation as these words solemnly resound in our churches. By them we are also invited to be joyful and to exult as we welcome into our midst Emmanuel, God with us, at Christmas time. Continue reading
