Day 23 · The Nativity Fast
Wounded for Us
“Surely he has borne our sickness and carried our suffering; yet we considered him plagued, struck by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought our peace was on him; and by his wounds we are healed.”Isaiah 53:4-5
Reflection
It may seem strange to read about the suffering Servant while preparing for a birth. But the Orthodox icon of the Nativity sets the birth in a dark cave that recalls the cave of his burial, and shows the infant wrapped in bands that recall burial wrappings, often lying on what looks like a stone tomb rather than a wooden manger. The Child is born to die for us and to rise again. Isaiah saw him from far off: carrying our sicknesses, pierced for our transgressions; by his wounds we are healed. Christmas and Pascha are one mystery of love.
A prayer
Lord Jesus, you were born to give your life for us. I cannot look at the manger without seeing the Cross. Thank you for bearing my sickness and my sin. By your wounds, heal me. Amen.
Carry this with you
Look closely at an icon of the Nativity this week. What do you notice?