“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” — John 1:14 (BSB)
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” — Isaiah 9:6 (BSB)
“But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons.” — Galatians 4:4–5 (BSB)
The name “Christmas” comes from Christ Mass, the celebration of Holy Communion in honor of the birth of Christ. The season begins on December 25 and extends through the Twelve Days of Christmas, culminating in the Feast of the Epiphany. The Church enters this season with joy, light, and song, rejoicing that the long-promised Savior has come.
Canon Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) writes, “At Christmas, we proclaim that the Maker of heaven and earth became a child in a manger. The infinite became intimate. The God of glory clothed Himself in humility to redeem His creation.”
Bishop Julian Dobbs (Diocese of the Living Word, ACNA) says, “Christmas is the triumph of grace. The incarnation tells us that God has not abandoned the world—He has entered it to save it.”
The 1662 Book of Common Prayer marks Christmas with prayers and readings centered on the Word made flesh. The Collect for Christmas Day rejoices, “Because thou hast given us thine only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him… grant that we may daily be renewed by thy Holy Spirit.”
J.C. Ryle wrote, “If Christ had never been born, we would have no hope. But He has come—born to die, that we might live. Let us keep this feast with grateful hearts, looking beyond the cradle to the cross.” (Old Paths, 1877)
Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) teaches, “Christmas reminds us that God keeps His promises. The Light has come into the world—and the darkness has not overcome it.”
Christmas glorifies Christ by declaring His humility, His humanity, and His mission to save. In the birth of Jesus, heaven and earth are joined, and salvation comes near.
St. Leo the Great (c. 400–461 AD): “Christian, remember your dignity. God became man, that man might be lifted up to God. This is the joy of Christmas.” — Sermon 1, On the Nativity
St. Gregory Nazianzus (c. 329–390 AD): “What He was, He remained. What He was not, He assumed. He who fills all things lies in a manger—God in the flesh.” — Oration 38, On the Theophany
St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “Marvel and rejoice: the Word without a beginning was born in time. The Creator of Mary was born of Mary. He came to be with us, so we might return to Him.” — Sermon 184
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
St. Thomas Church
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St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
