“Behold, The Virgin Shall Conceive And Bear A Son,
And They Shall Call Him Emmanuel” (Isaiah 7:14)
(Which Means “God Is With Us”)
Once again, it is the New Year. Soon, the entire world will welcome 2026, bringing to all humanity festively decorated trees, ornaments wrapped in colorful lights, the cheerful songs of children, gifts, sweets, and the warmth of family and human connection, spreading joy across every corner of the globe.
In this spirit of joy, the great family of the Armenian Church, in Armenia and throughout the Diaspora, on January 6 celebrates not a temporary happiness, but the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Jesus Christ, the source of eternal joy.
A feast that invites us all to deepen our understanding and appreciation of our encounter with our Creator God, so that “Emmanuel,” the source of everlasting joy granted to humanity by God, may be present in our lives. “Emmanuel,” meaning “God is with us,” was revealed, according to the prophecy of Isaiah, as a divine message to the Holy Virgin Mary, so that God’s only Son might come into the world and save humanity from the grasp of death.
Indeed, when “God is with us,” what should we fear in this world? Especially since being with God brings us spiritual growth, inner peace, and the ability to experience the blessings of eternal joy in our lives.
“God is with us.” The Feast of the Holy Nativity and Theophany strengthens us socially as well, filling us with optimism towards life, so that we may live peacefully and joyfully, conduct our affairs with hope for brighter days, and as members of the human family wish good to one another, extend care and compassion to the weak, the sick, children, the elderly, those in need, and especially our brothers and sisters who have grown weary of life.
When “God is with us,” beloved, we become more mindful, and our souls are filled with even more light and hope for this life and the days to come. Our faith is strengthened toward goodness and righteousness, and we direct our steps along paths of goodness. Guided by our heavenly Father, we move forward with courage and confidence, conduct our affairs according to God’s will, and live with the assurance that God is with us, helping us speak rightly, act justly, and nurture our relationships with the world and others, free from envy, desire, anger, and failure.
In short, when “God is with us,” He is the perfect Creator, who shapes us like clay, filling our lives with heavenly graces and blessings, so that no obstacle, storm, hardship, or evil of this passing life can crush us, shatter our essence, or destroy our identity.
Yes, beloved, when “God is with us,” we find the strength to overcome evil within us. We endure and persevere, and, trusting in God, we emerge stronger than before. In doing so, we become living examples of victory and renewal through God’s help, showing our fellow human beings the divine nature and manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ, born in a humble manger, along with His miraculous strength and saving mission, so they too may believe and accept Jesus Christ as the light, hope, guide, and supreme love of their lives.
On this Feast of the Holy Nativity and Theophany of our Savior Jesus Christ, we are called to spiritual transformation, drawing ever closer to the blessings of heaven through prayer and praise, and guided by the good news of “Emmanuel,” walking toward spiritual fulfillment, purposeful, and flourishing life filled with joy. This way, we may be truly worthy of the honor of being called the brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ. Let us also firmly believe that beyond this earthly life, we will one day experience the happiness of God’s presence in eternal life. This is the profound meaning of the great Feast of the Holy Nativity and Theophany celebrated each year on earth.
With warm Christian love, we extend our greetings and blessings to the National Assembly of Delegates of the Western Prelacy, the Religious and Executive Councils, all our parish communities, pastors and Boards of Trustees, Ladies’ Auxiliaries and Guilds, deacons and choir members, as well as all our schools, Boards of Regents and School Boards, teachers and educators, members of the press, community leaders, friends, benefactors, and all the children of our noble people. We pray that the New Year 2026 may renew our faith and kindle new and heavenly, unfading torches of love, hope, and salvation in the lives and hearts of all. Amen.
HAPPY NEW YEAR AND MERRY CHRISTMAS
CHRIST IS BORN AND REVEALED
BLESSED IS THE REVELATION OF CHRIST
With Blessings,
Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate
Western Prelacy of the United States
