Category: Advent (Page 1 of 4)

The Ox and the Ass at the Manger

Christ is born! Glorify Him!
Christ descends from the heavens, welcome Him!
Christ is now on earth, O be jubilant!
Sing to the Lord, the whole earth,
And sing praises to Him with joy, O ye people,
For He has been exalted!

Christmas Canon, 1st Song, Irmos

Nativity Icon

The ox and the ass are two of the most ancient symbols that appear in Nativity icons. In the ancient Church, the ox was a clean, kosher animal representing the Jews. The Jews have the Law of Moses which taught them obedience to God. The ass, on the other hand, was a wilder and untamed animal, representing the Gentiles who do not have the Law. In Christ, the two seemingly opposite groups are united. The Apostle Paul writes: “For He is our peace who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility . . . .” (Ephesians 2:14)

The Nativity Icon shows the newborn Christ in a cave. The color black symbolizes the dark mystery of the human heart. Christ came to bring light to our inner darkness. Hence, we are urged to welcome Christ into our heart. The color black can also be understood as symbolizing the world being shrouded in darkness. Christ has entered into the dark times of our lives bringing comfort and joy, faith and hope.

The people who sat in darkness
have seen a great light,
And for those who sat in the region
and shadow of death
light has dawned.
(Matthew 4:17; cf. Isaiah 9:2)

Isaiah’s prophecy of the eschatological dawn was fulfilled when Jesus came preaching repentance and proclaiming the coming of the kingdom of God (see Matthew 4:17).

Dear Folks,

The year 2023 has been a busy one for me. In my spare time I continue to write articles for the OrthodoxBridge. I hope to post more articles in the near future. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Robert Arakaki

Blessed be the Child 

Blessed be the Child Who today delights Bethlehem.
Blessed be the Newborn Who today made humanity young again.
Blessed be the Fruit Who bowed Himself down to our hunger.
Blessed be the Gracious One Who suddenly enriched all of our poverty and filled our need.
Blessed be He Whose mercy inclined him to heal our sickness.

Hymn 3 – Ephraim the Syrian

Dear Folks,

The year 2022 has been a busy one for me. In my spare time, I continue to write articles for the OrthodoxBridge. I hope to post these articles in the near future. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Robert Arakaki

What Shall We Offer You, O Christ?

What Shall We Offer You, O Christ?

Who for our sake has appeared on the earth as a man?

Every creature which You have made offers You thanks.

The angels offer You a song.

The heavens, their star.

The wise men, their gifts.

The shepherds, their wonder.

The earth, its cave.

The wilderness, the manger.

And we offer You a Virgin Mother.

O Pre-eternal God, have mercy on us!

(Vespers of the eve of the feast of the Nativity)

Dear Folks,

2021 has come and gone like a blur.  Although I’ve been busy with other things, I remain committed to this blog. I have been preparing articles that I hope to upload in the near future.  Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Robert Arakaki

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