Journeying With Christ: The Coptic Month of Kiahk of the Nativity FastSample

Week 4 Theme: The Birth of St. John the Forerunner (Luke 1:57-80)

Day 1: The Miracle of Birth

The birth of a child is a miraculous event that fills our hearts with joy and wonder. In today's passage, we witness the joy that St. Elizabeth and St. Zacharias experienced as they welcomed their son, St. John the Forerunner, into the world. The Orthodox Church celebrates the sanctity of life, affirming that each person is created in the image of God. Let us therefore cherish the miracle of birth and honor the sacredness of every human life as we journey with Christ.

The arrival of a child reminds us of the awe-inspiring power of God's creation. Within the womb, a new life begins to form, intricately woven together by the hand of our Creator. Every child that is born is a sign that God has not yet given up on humanity and each precious life is a testament to God's faithfulness and His ongoing work in the world. St. Augustine of Hippo says, "God loves each of us as if there were only one of us".

The birth of St. John the Forerunner was particularly miraculous because St. Elizabeth had been barren, and both she and St. Zacharias were advanced in years. God's intervention in their lives was a testament to His ability to bring forth life in the most unlikely circumstances. It reminds us that God is not limited by human impossibilities but can perform miracles that defy our understanding. God's power can accomplish great things even in the most difficult situations.

As we celebrate the miracle of birth, let us remember that each child is a unique and precious gift from God. Every life is endowed with inherent dignity and worth because we are created in the image of our Heavenly Father. St. Gregory of Nyssa, an Early Church Father, reminds us of this truth, saying, "The human person is a living icon, a visible reflection of the invisible God" (On the Making of Man). Every child bears the imprint of God's divine image, deserving of love, care, and protection.

In a world that often diminishes the value of life, we are called to stand firm in our conviction that every child is a blessing. We are entrusted with the responsibility to nurture and guide these young lives, instilling in them the values of faith, love, and righteousness. St. John Chrysostom reminds us, "Let everything take second place to our care of our children, our bringing them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord". The task of parents is to cooperate with God in the formation of their children's souls. Let us embrace this sacred task, recognizing the profound impact we have in shaping the lives of the next generation.

The birth of St. John the Forerunner also serves as a reminder that God has a plan and purpose for each person's life. Despite the doubts and opposition they faced, St. Elizabeth and St. Zacharias remained faithful to God's calling. They obediently named their son John, as the Archangel Gabriel had commanded. God has a unique plan for every person, and our task is to discern and embrace that plan. St. John Chrysostom reminds us that "God has placed in our hands the choice of a good or evil life, and it is within the power of each person to choose the life that pleases him". Let us diligently choose to remain faithful to Him, despite doubts or opposition, living a life of obedience to His purpose and plan.

As we journey with Christ, let us reflect on the miracle of birth and the sanctity of every human life. May we cherish and protect the lives of children, recognizing their inherent dignity and worth and may we surrender our lives to God, seeking His guidance and purpose, trusting that He has a unique plan for each one of us. For in the miracle of birth, we catch a glimpse of God's boundless love and His redemptive work in the world.