[– What’s Nativity’s meaning and importance for Christianity?] [Vasile Ciobanu:] Its history begins in the prophecies of the Old Testament, after Adam and Eve were banished from Eden. The beginning of our redemption is the Annunciation, when Archangel Gabriel told Virgin Mary of Nazareth that she would give birth to the Son of God, by conceiving Him through the Holy Spirit, and that His kingdom would never end. Then, God’s word took a human name- Jesus Christ. Even astronomers knew the Scripture prophecies that a star would rise from Jacob and it would lead them to Jesus. It was actually a guiding angel. This story turned the humanity towards restoration, renewal, revival, victory over death, and culminated with the event on Golgota mountain. This is the true history of mankind, its quintessence and nucleus. God united with man, through the Holy Spirit and Virgin Mary, and a new Adam appeared, a new humanity began, a renewed one, recreated through God Jesus’ sacrifice. The new Adam becomes divine, becomes God. That’s why all Christians call God Father, because he adopted them through His Son Jesus. This is an incredible love: God sacrificed His only Son. That’s what the Nativity means, it changed humanity and it divided the history: before Christ and after Him. Even pagan peoples keep history like this. The Nativity is the convergence point of humanity’s entire history, it’s the hope, the path, the truth and life. It’s a Holy Day full of mystery, mysticism, grandness and charm. [ – The Nativity is also called Christmas. Where does this name come from?] [Vasile Ciobanu:] It comes from Latin „incarnatione”, which means God’s incarnation. Christmas is actually a folk word for this holiday. In the culture of our nation, which was naturally born Christian, we have the expression „lorom lerom” or „lerui-ler”, which is the equivalent of Hebrew “Hallelujah” (Praise the Lord). [– What are the main Christmas traditions?] [Vasile Ciobanu:] The main one associated to Nativity is the carol. Traditionally, carols are accompanied by the “star” custom. The symbolic star reminds us of the magi and their gifts to Jesus. It is also present in the Nativity Icon. Chrism and incense are also specific elements of Christmas. Incense was brought to Jesus as to God and chrism as to a man who would die, would be embalmed and then would defeat death. These are symbols with strong religious meaning. [– How should we celebrate?] [Vasile Ciobanu:] Christians should go to the church and listen to carols, hymns, preaching and writings of the Saints. If they don’t attend the service, it will be just another day with a rich table. At the morning service, Christians can find the hope and the joy, the beginning of the holiday. During the Divine Liturgy, the sacred mysteries are performed and the sky and the earth rejoice. Christians charge with spiritual light, which afterward spread in their homes and families. Without it, Christmas is a holiday of the stomach. He who once truly felt the Liturgy, will always return to attend it. At least on holidays we should try be innocent and rejoice like children, to love and forgive, full of hope given by God. [Svetlana Cojocaru, Info-Prim Neo]