George
Instagram
Nativity Fast Begins: 40 Days of Spiritual Preparation
The speaker announces that the Nativity fast begins on November 15th, or November 28th for those following the old calendar. This 40-day period of abstaining from meat, dairy, and eggs lasts until Christmas. The fast is presented not as a dietary rule but as spiritual preparation, drawing a parallel to Moses who fasted for 40 days on the mountain before receiving the word of God; Christians fast for 40 days before receiving the Word himself, born in Bethlehem.
The speaker contrasts the fast with the secular pattern of starting Christmas celebrations in November through parties and shopping, which leaves people tired by the actual feast. The fast, by contrast, slows the believer down. Citing St. John Chrysostom, the speaker explains that fasting must extend beyond the mouth to the eyes, ears, and hands.
This means reducing scrolling and gossip, and increasing prayer and almsgiving. To support this journey, the speaker has created a free program titled "40 Days to Bethlehem" that guides participants through the fast day by day. At the time of the announcement, over 150 people had already registered for the program.
Key moments
- The Nativity fast begins November 15th (or November 28th on the old calendar) and lasts 40 days until Christmas, abstaining from meat, cheese, milk, and eggs.
- The fast parallels Moses fasting 40 days on the mountain before receiving the word of God; Christians fast 40 days before receiving the Word himself, born in Bethlehem.
- The world starts celebrating Christmas in November with parties and shopping, leaving people tired by the actual feast; the fast does the opposite by slowing you down.
- St. John Chrysostom teaches that not only the mouth should fast, but also the eyes, ears, and hands, meaning less scrolling, less gossip, more prayer, and more giving to those in need.
- The speaker created a free program called "40 Days to Bethlehem" to go through the fast together day by day, with over 150 people already signed up.