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Luke 2:1. In those days, Caesar Augustus issued an order to take a census of the entire earth. Luke 2:2. This census was the first during the reign of Quirinius in Syria. Luke 2:3. And everyone went to sign up, each to his own city. Luke 2:4. Joseph also went from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, called Bethlehem, because he was from the house and family of David, Luke 2:5. sign up with Maria, his betrothed wife, who was pregnant. The census takes place so that when everyone goes to his fatherland, the Virgin comes to Bethlehem, her fatherland, and thus the Lord was born in Bethlehem, and the prophecy was fulfilled. When there was one God, having the power to end polytheism, it was fitting for one king, Caesar, to reign. Christ is recorded along with everyone else. The Lord should have recorded with the universe in order to sanctify those who recorded and abolish slavery; For just as, having undergone circumcision, He abolished circumcision, so, by being registered as a slave, He abolished the slavery of our nature. For those who work for the Lord are no longer slaves of men, as the Apostle says: “Do not become slaves of men” (1 Cor. 7:23), but if they are slaves in body, they are free in spirit, not being carried away by the wickedness of their masters. Luke 2:6. While they were there, the time came for Her to give birth; Luke 2:7. and she gave birth to her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, He rightly called the Lord the Son of the Virgin, “the Firstborn,” although she did not give birth to anyone else, for the one born first is called the firstborn, even if no other was born after him. and she laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. It is placed in a manger, perhaps in order to teach us humility from the beginning, and perhaps also in order to symbolically show that He appeared in this world - a place inhabited by us, who have become like foolish cattle (Ps. 48: 13, 21). For just as the manger belongs to cattle, so this world belongs to us. So, the world is a manger, and we are irrational animals; and to redeem us from foolishness, that is why He appeared here. Luke 2:8. In that country there were shepherds in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. Luke 2:9. Suddenly an Angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were afraid with great fear. The angel appears to the shepherds for the simplicity of their character and gentleness, since they apparently imitate the lifestyle of the righteous, for the ancient patriarchs, Jacob, Moses and David, were shepherds. The angel did not appear to the Pharisees or scribes in Jerusalem, for they were the repository of all evil; and those, not being cunning, were rewarded with divine visions. The Lord showed by this that from the very beginning He chose and made preachers those who were more simple-hearted than others, for they went and began to preach about all this. Luke 2:10. And the Angel said to them; don't be afraid; I bring you good tidings of great joy that will be for all people:... Luke 2:11. For today a Savior has been born to you in the city of David, who is Christ the Lord; Luke 2:12. and here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. The angel announced “great joy,” which, he said, would be for all people; actually for the people of God. For not all Jews are the people of God. But the incarnation of God was a joy for the entire human race. Luke 2:13. And suddenly a large army of heaven appeared with the Angel, praising God and crying: Luke 2:14. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men! What does the song of angels mean? Without a doubt, the gratitude of the higher ranks and the joy that we, living on earth, have been blessed. For they say: “Glory... to God,... there is now peace on earth.” Previously, human nature was at enmity with God, but now it has been so reconciled that it has become in union with God and united with Him in the incarnation. So, do you see the peace of God with man? It can be understood differently. The Son of God Himself is peace, as He says about Himself (John 14:27, 16:33). So, the world itself, the Son of God, appeared on earth. And “there is good will among men,” that is, the rest of God; for now God has rested and found God-pleasing in people, whereas before He did not please Him and did not find Himself pleasing in people. Luke 2:15. When the Angels departed from them into heaven, the shepherds said to each other: let's go to Bethlehem and see what happened there, which the Lord told us about. Luke 2:16. And they hastened and came and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in a manger. Luke 2:17. When they saw it, they told about what had been announced to them about this Child. Luke 2:18. And all who heard were amazed at what the shepherds told them. These shepherds are the image of spiritual shepherds - bishops. So, bishops must guard their flock and play, that is, sing something spiritual and teach the people, and then they will be rewarded with divine visions and hearings. Bethlehem means the house of bread. What other house of bread is this if not the church in which this bread is deposited? So, the job of verbal shepherds is to seek heavenly bread, and when they see this bread, it is their duty to preach to others, just as the shepherds, having seen the Baby, told others about Him. Luke 2:19. But Mary kept all these words, writing them in Her heart. What words did Virgo “keep”? Others say that those who the Angel told Her, and those who the shepherds told Her. She observed them and “formed them in Her heart,” that is, she discussed them and found in everyone one agreed thought that Her Son is God. But it seems to me that here events are called words; it says something like this: Mary “kept all the words,” that is, those events that I am now talking about, and through this I make them words. For an event, when spoken about, becomes a word. Luke 2:20. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for everything that they had heard and seen, as they had been told. The shepherds returned with gratitude to God for everything; for they were not envious like the Jews. Luke 2:21. After eight days had passed, when the Child was to be circumcised, they gave Him the name Jesus, which the Angel had called before He was conceived in the womb. When the Law gave commandments, then those who broke them were cursed. So, the Lord is circumcised in order to, in this fulfilling the Law and not omitting anything commanded by it, redeem us from the curse. Let those who say that he was incarnated ghostly be ashamed from now on, for how is he circumcised if he was incarnated ghostly? It is useless to examine where the cut part is located. For one should not seek out what Scripture is silent about. Yes, this is completely useless. We can say that after being cut off, she fell to the ground and sanctified it, just like the blood and water that flowed from His side. And He, in a manner known to Him, preserved this particle undamaged and, after the Resurrection, received it again, so as not to be found wanting in this regard; just as we will receive our body intact in the resurrection. Note that the Lord did not conceive immediately, as the Angel said: “And behold, you will conceive” (Luke 1:31), but after this, when He desired. For look at what it says here: “which was named by the Angel before He was conceived in the womb.” This is clear from the saying itself, for he did not say: “you will conceive,” but “you will conceive.” From this we can conclude that the Lord was conceived at that time, but not at the very moment when the Angel spoke, but perhaps when he finished speaking. However, we do not say this in the affirmative. Luke 2:22. And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, He said well: “according to the law of Moses,” for truly the Virgin did not need to wait for days of purification, which, in the case of a male birth, were forty. The Law says: “a woman will conceive and give birth to a male child” (Lev. 12:2); and the Virgin did not conceive from semen **, but gave birth from the Holy Spirit. Therefore, she had no need, but came to the church out of desire to fulfill the law. Why, in the case of a male birth, are there seven days of purification, and a female birth - twice as many? “If a woman,” it is said, “conceives and gives birth to a male child, then she will be unclean for seven days... If she gives birth to a female child, then during her purification she will be unclean for two weeks” (Lev. 12:2,5)? Because the one who gave birth to the male gender introduces another Adam into the world, and the one who gave birth to the female gender gives birth to another Eve - a weak and weak vessel, a broken clay vessel, a reed of deception, a teacher of disobedience. brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him before the Lord, Luke 2:23. as it is prescribed in the law of the Lord, that every male child who opens the womb should be dedicated to the Lord, The words of the Law: “so that every male child who opens the womb should be dedicated to the Lord” (Ex. 13:2, 12, 34:19) came true in Christ alone; for He Himself opened the Virgin’s womb, while other mothers’ wombs are opened by the husband. Luke 2:24. and to sacrifice, according to what is said in the law of the Lord, two turtle doves or two chicks of pigeons. The Law (Lev.12:6–8) commanded that a pair of turtledoves be brought to show that childbearing is from a pure marriage. For they say about the turtledove that she is a chaste bird, so that, having lost her male, she does not copulate with another. If the parents did not have turtle doves, then they brought two pigeon chicks, so that the life of this child would serve for many children; for the dove is a prolific bird. Luke 2:25. Then there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was a righteous and pious man, looking forward to the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. Luke 2:26. He was predicted by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he saw Christ the Lord. Simeon was not a priest, but was a God-loving man; he expected that Christ would come, the comforter of the Jews and the liberator from the slavery of sin, and perhaps from the slavery of the Romans and Herod. For whoever believes in Christ is truly free and honored by kings and all people. Look at the apostles. Weren't they slaves of the Romans? And now the kings of Rome honor them and worship them. So, for them, the Israelites, Christ became a consolation. Luke 2:27. And he came by inspiration to the church. And when the parents brought the Child Jesus to perform the legal rite on Him, Luke 2:28. he took Him in his arms, blessed God and said: Luke 2:29. Now do You let Your servant go, O Master, according to Your word, in peace, This Simeon, moved by the Holy Spirit, went into the church when the Mother brought the Lord, and, taking Him in her arms, confessed him as God. For one who confessed that He is the Lord of life and death could say: “Now You are letting Thy servant go, O Master.” See how the saints consider the body to be a bond. That’s why he says: “Now you are letting me go,” as if you were freeing me from bonds. "According to Your Word": speaks of the prediction he received that he would not die until he saw Christ. “In peace” instead of: in peace. For a person, as long as he lives, is “troubled,” as David says (Ps. 38:7); the deceased is in peace. “In peace” can be understood in another way, namely: with receiving what was expected. Before I saw the Lord, I, he says, was not calm in my thoughts, but I was waiting for Him and always thought with concern when He would come: and now, when I saw Him, I calmed down and stopped thinking, I am relieved. Luke 2:30. for mine eyes have seen Your salvation, Luke 2:31. which You have prepared before all nations, “Salvation m” called the incarnation of the Only Begotten, which God prepared before all ages. “I have prepared... this salvation in the presence of all people.” For this is why He became incarnate, to save the world and so that His incarnation would be revealed to everyone. Luke 2:32. light to enlighten the Gentiles, and glory to Your people Israel. This salvation is “a light for the enlightenment of the pagans,” that is, for the enlightenment of the darkened pagans, “and for the glory of... Israel,” for Christ is truly the glory of the Israeli people, because from them He shone and the truly prudent find greatness for themselves in this. So says Simeon. And it seems to me that the words of David also befit this Simeon: “I will satisfy him with long days, and I will show him My salvation” (Ps. 90:16). Luke 2:33. Joseph and His Mother marveled at what was said about Him. Luke 2:34. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His Mother: Behold, this One is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel. Simeon blessed both, and turned his speech to the true Mother, leaving the imaginary father. “Behold,” he says, “this one is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel”; “to fall” for unbelievers, and for believers “to rise.” Or in other words: the Lord lies “for the fall” of the evil that nests in our souls, and “for the rise” of good; Fornication falls, chastity rises. One can also understand it another way: Christ “lies... to fall” instead of: He Himself has to suffer and undergo death, and through His fall many have to rise. So, after the words: “for the fall,” put a period, then begin: “And for the uprising of many.” and is contradicted as a sign, - The “Sign” is the cross, which until now finds a contradiction in itself, that is, it is not accepted by the infidels. The incarnation of the Lord is also called a sign and a wonderful sign, since God became a man, and the Virgin became a Mother. And this sign, that is, the incarnation of Christ, is contradicted. For some say that the body is from heaven, others that it is ghostly, and others say something else. Luke 2:35. and to You Yourself: (Virgin) a weapon will pierce the soul, - She calls the weapon, perhaps, the sorrow that occurred during suffering, and perhaps the temptation that struck Her at the sight of the Lord crucified. For She, perhaps, thought about how the One who was born without a seed, performed miracles, and raised the dead, was crucified, killed and spat upon. let the thoughts of many hearts be revealed. This means that “the thoughts of many” who are tempted will be revealed and revealed, and when convicted they will find a quick healing. For example, you, Virgo, will open up and reveal yourself in your wisdom about Christ, then you will be confirmed in faith in Him. Likewise, Peter turned out to be rejected; but the power of God appeared, accepting him again through repentance. And otherwise: “the thoughts of many hearts” were revealed when the traitor was revealed and those who loved Him were revealed, such as, for example, Joseph who came to Pilate and the women who stood at the Cross. Luke 2:36. There was also Anna the prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, from the tribe of Asher, who had reached a very old age, having lived with her husband for seven years from her virginity, Luke 2:37. a widow of eighty-four years old who did not leave the church, serving God day and night with fasting and prayer. Luke 2:38. And at that time she came up, glorified the Lord and spoke about Him to everyone who was waiting for deliverance in Jerusalem. The Evangelist dwells on the story of Anna, lists her father and tribe, so that we know that he is telling the truth, since he invites, as it were, many witnesses who know the father and tribe. She, along with others, “glorified the Lord,” that is, thanked Him, and conveyed to everyone about the Lord that He is the Savior and the consolation of us awaiting redemption. Luke 2:39. And when they had completed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their city of Nazareth. Having completed everything, they returned to Galilee, to their city of Nazareth, Bethlehem was also their city, but as a homeland, and Nazareth as a place of residence. Luke 2:40. The baby grew and became stronger in spirit, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him. Jesus "grew" in body. Although He could have reached a reasonable manhood from the very womb, then He could have seemed like a ghost; therefore He grows little by little. With age, the wisdom of God the Word manifested itself. For He was not wise by success in learning; away with such a thought! Since He revealed his innate wisdom little by little, it is said that He progressed and “strengthened in spirit” in accordance with his physical age. For if He had shown all wisdom at His very first age, He would have seemed monstrous. And now, revealing Himself as much as possible, in accordance with age, He fulfilled the economy, not accepting wisdom. For what could be more perfect than perfect from the beginning? However, He reveals His inherent wisdom little by little. Luke 2:41. Every year His parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover holiday. Luke 2:42. And when He was twelve years old, they also came, according to custom, to Jerusalem for the feast. Luke 2:43. When, at the end of the days of the holiday, they returned, the Child Jesus remained in Jerusalem; and Joseph and His mother did not notice, Luke 2:44. but they thought that He was going with others. Having walked a day's journey, they began to look for Him among relatives and acquaintances. Jesus goes to Jerusalem with his parents to show in everything that He neither resists God nor resists the demands of the Law. When they had fulfilled the days, that is, the seven days of Passover, He “remained... in Jerusalem.” Luke 2:45. and not finding Him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for Him. Luke 2:46. After three days they found Him in the church, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions; Luke 2:47. all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and answers. He reasoned with the scribes, giving them questions from the Law. And everyone was “amazed.” Do you see how He advanced in wisdom, so that He was an object of curiosity and wonder to many? For the revelation of His wisdom is His very success. Luke 2:48. And when they saw Him, they were surprised; and His Mother said to Him: Child! what have you done to us? Behold, Your father and I have been looking for You with great sorrow. The Mother of God calls Joseph father, although she knew that he was not the father. Without a doubt, she calls Joseph His father for the sake of the Jews, so that they would not have any unclean thoughts regarding His birth. Otherwise: since Joseph exerted fatherly care and service in his upbringing, she decently called him father himself, as if the Holy Spirit had honored him with the name of father. Luke 2:49. He said to them: Why did you seek Me? Or did you not know that I must be concerned with the things that belong to My Father? Why were they looking for Him? Did they really assume that He, like a child, was lost or lost? Away with such a thought! For she could not come either to the wise Mary, who received countless revelations about Him, or to Joseph, to whom it was also revealed that He was from the Holy Spirit. But they were looking for Him so that He would somehow not fall behind them, so that He would not somehow leave them. And when they found Him, look how He answers them! Since the Virgin called Joseph His father, He says: He, Joseph, is not My true father, although I was in his house; but God is My Father, and therefore I am in His house, that is, in His church. Luke 2:50. But they did not understand the words He spoke. “But they did not understand” what He said to them: for it was a mystery. Luke 2:51. And He went with them and came to Nazareth; and was in obedience to them. Jesus obeyed his parents, giving us a model to obey our parents. And His Mother kept all these words in Her heart. The Virgin observed all this; for the actions and words of the Youth were divine and revealed in Him not a twelve-year-old boy, but a completely mature man. Luke 2:52. Jesus increased in wisdom and age To explain what it means to “advance in wisdom,” the evangelist adds: “and in age,” for success “in age” is called success “in wisdom.” and in love with God and people. that is, he did what was pleasing to God and praiseworthy from people; but first he was acceptable before God, and then before people; for first one must please God, and then people. In Greek in the text “will conceive” – σπερματισθῇ, from “seed”.