Key Facts
- ✓ The event occurred two thousand years ago in a cave near Bethlehem.
- ✓ God appeared in the form of the infant Jesus.
- ✓ Christ became similar to humans in all aspects except for sin.
- ✓ Human limitations prevent full comprehension of God's plan.
Quick Summary
Patriarch Kirill extended greetings to believers for the holiday of the Nativity of Christ. The message commemorates the historical events that took place two thousand years ago near Bethlehem in Judea. It describes the significance of God becoming human to save mankind.
The central theme of the greeting is the Incarnation, where the invisible God became visible and tangible. The message emphasizes that this transformation was driven by boundless love for humanity. While acknowledging the mystery of this event, the Patriarch invites reflection on the spiritual meaning of the holiday.
The Historical Event
The greeting highlights the location and nature of the event that occurred two millennia ago. It took place in a humble cave located near the small Judean town of Bethlehem. This setting underscores the humble circumstances surrounding the arrival of the Savior.
According to the message, this event is considered the most important in human history. It marked the transition of God from an invisible state to a physical presence. The text describes this as the moment God became visible and tangible to humanity.
"Две тысячи лет назад в убогой пещере близ небольшого иудейского города Вифлеема произошло важнейшее в человеческой истории событие"
— Patriarch Kirill
The Nature of Incarnation
The message explains the theological concept of the Incarnation. It states that God appeared in the form of the infant Jesus. This transformation allowed God to become similar to humans in every aspect.
However, the text specifies a crucial distinction. While becoming like humanity, Christ remained different in one specific way: he was without sin. The greeting cites the biblical reference (Heb. 4, 15) to support this claim. This aspect of the Incarnation is central to the understanding of the holiday.
The Divine Plan
The greeting addresses the complexity of God's intentions regarding human salvation. It acknowledges that human understanding is limited. Therefore, people cannot fully grasp the divine plan.
The message serves as a reminder of the mystery surrounding faith. It focuses on the love that motivated the Incarnation. The event in Bethlehem remains a profound mystery that invites ongoing reflection by believers.
"Бог, невидимый и непостижимый, по Своей безмерной любви к людям пришел на землю в образе Младенца Иисуса"
— Patriarch Kirill
"стал видимым и осязаемым, подобным нам во всем, кроме греха"
— Patriarch Kirill
