Supreme Commanders of the Hosts of the Heavens, we, the unworthy, importune and beseech you that by your supplications you encircle us in the shelter of the wings of your immaterial glory, guarding us who now fall down and cry to you with fervour;  Deliver us from dangers of all kinds, as the great marshals of the heavenly hosts on high.  (Dismissal Hymn, Fourth Tone)

Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the other Bodiless Powers

“Supreme Commanders of the Hosts of the Heavens, we, the unworthy, importune and beseech you that by your supplications ye encircle us in the shelter of the wings of your immaterial glory, guarding us who now fall down and cry to you with fervor: Deliver us from dangers of all kinds, as the great marshals of the heavenly hosts on high.”

The Feast of Christmas is the celebration of the world’s salvation through the Son of God who became man for our sake, that, through Him, we might ourselves become sons of God the Father by the indwelling of His Holy Spirit in us.

To start the Nativity Fast, place an icon of the Nativity in a special place in your home this week, Discuss the icon with your children. They should be able to identify the characters after your discussion. A printable Icon is under “Reading Matters” along with an explanation for the figures in the Icon.

Entrance of the Most Holy Theotokos -  Today is the prelude of the good will of God, of the preaching of the salvation of mankind. The Virgin appears in the temple of God, in anticipation proclaiming Christ to all. Let us rejoice and sing to her: Rejoice, O Fulfillment of the Creator’s dispensation! (Troparion 4th Tone)

“Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” (2 Peter 1:2)      Help your child make a gift to give someone for Christmas.

Akathist to St. John the Baptist  -  “ Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:6-7)

Moleben to the Theotokos -  “Today the Virgin gives birth to the Transcendent One, and the earth offers a cave to the Unapproachable One.” (Part of the Kontakion for the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ – Tone 3)

Have your children send a Christmas greeting to someone you know who is without family, expressing the true meaning of Christmas. It may be nice to have a card made by the child.

What shall we offer You, O Christ, who for our sakes has appeared on earth as man? Every creature made by you offers You thanks: The angels offer a Hymn; the heavens, a star; the wise men, gifts; the shepherds, their wonder; the earth, its cave; the wilderness, a manger, and we offer You a virgin mother!   (Pre-Eternal God, have mercy on us! (Verse from Vespers)

Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called