Nativity Vespers with Old Testament Readings

Because the Nativity falls on Sunday this year, Great Vespers is normally served with the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, rather than the usual Liturgy of St. Basil the Great. We are forgoing the Divine Liturgy and celebrating on the Great Vespers, beginning at 4:00pm. At this service the Old Testament prophecies of Christ’s birth are chanted, emphasizing the prophecy of Micah which foretells Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Saviour, and the prophecies of Isaiah about the appearance and character of the Messiah:

The Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel, which translated is, God with us (Is 7.14–15).

God is with us, understand all ye nations, and submit yourselves, for God is with us (Is 8.9).

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulders, and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end (Is 9.6–7).