By Bishop Maximos of Melitene
The Christmas fast opens before us as a mystagogical gate, inviting the soul to a deeper communion with the divine mystery of the Incarnation. During this period, man is called to awaken from the lethargy of everyday life and turn towards his inner purification. “Behold, now is the acceptable time, behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2).
The preparation for the reception of the divine infant requires inner silence. The heart becomes a manger that welcomes the divine mystery, while the soul, like a snowy branch bending towards the earth, bows before the magnitude of the miracle. In the ecclesiastical tradition, fasting is not simply a dietary restriction, but a spiritual exercise that purifies the nous and elevates the soul.
During this period, the ecclesiastical hymn reminds us: “Christ is born, glorify Him; Christ from heaven, go to meet Him” (Christmas Katavasies). The anticipation of the divine birth transforms our inner world. The days roll by like grains of sand in an ancient hourglass, measuring the course towards the great feast.
In the heart of fasting, the soul resembles a winter garden awaiting spring. Passions, like dry leaves, fall one by one in the exercise of prayer and repentance, while temperance becomes the key that unlocks the gates of spiritual theoria.
As we approach the great feast, church life intensifies. The faithful approach the Mysteries of Confession and Divine Communion, preparing their souls for the reception of the divine infant. Prayer becomes deeper, like a root that penetrates the bowels of the earth in search of life-giving water.
In the devotion of fasting, the mind is cleansed of superficial thoughts and vain dreams. It turns inward, where the soul stands naked before the divine gaze. This purification is not a solitary journey, but a collective effort of the ecclesial body. The community of believers, united in prayer and fasting, advances together towards the mystery of the divine incarnation. Like flakes of snow falling gently to the earth, the souls of the faithful converge towards the center of faith.
Ecclesiastical tradition teaches us that fasting is a time of spiritual vigilance. “Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation” (Matt. 26:41). The believer is called to stand as a vigilant guardian of his heart, protecting it from the attacks of passions and thoughts.
On the journey to Bethlehem, the soul becomes like an empty vessel waiting to be filled with divine grace. Fasting purifies the senses, allowing man to discern the divine will more clearly. In the silence of prayer, the whisper of the Holy Spirit is heard, guiding our steps towards the manger.
“Prepare the way of the Lord” (Mark 1:3), Scripture exhorts us. This preparation is multifaceted: fasting of the body, prayer of the nous, purification of the heart. The soul, like wax that melts before the divine presence, is gradually transformed, acquiring the fragrance of virtue.
The Christmas fast teaches us patience and forbearance. Just as the fetus develops silently in the womb, so too does the spiritual life mature in the silent exercise of fasting. Every day is a small step towards Bethlehem, a preparation for the encounter with the divine infant.
In this spiritual preparation, the Church calls us to turn to our brethren with love and compassion. Fasting without alms is like a lamp without oil. “Then your light will shine in the morning” (Is. 58:8), the Prophet Isaiah assures us, speaking of true fasting accompanied by works of love.
The feast of Christmas brings the message of divine condescension. God descends to earth as a weak infant, teaching the virtue of humility. Fasting helps us to understand this mystery more deeply. The soul, like a leaf emerging from the snow, seeks the light of the divine presence.
In the heart of winter, the Church prepares to welcome the “true light” (John 1:9). Fasting is the spiritual spring that prepares the soul to receive the divine seed. In the silence of prayer, the believer becomes a witness to his inner transformation.
As the feast approaches, anticipation intensifies. The hymns of the Church become more joyful, announcing the world-saving event. The soul, purified by fasting, stands like a star leading to the manger of Bethlehem.
Source: Translated by John Sanidopoulos.