Daily Devotion to the Theotokos

 Twenty-fourth Day of the Month

"Thou didst give birth, and yet remain a virgin by nature; for He Who was born of thee renews the laws of nature, and a womb gave birth without labor. Where God wills, the order of nature is over­ruled; for He does whatever He wishes according to His own good pleasure." (Theotokion, Ode Four of the Great Canon)

*     *     *

Virgin Mother, we marvel at the wisdom and power of God's plan for our salvation.

Since nature itself became corrupt because of our sinfulness, God renewed nature in Himself. Our fallen human nature does not value virginity, and cannot understand a virgin woman giving birth to a child. "This is contrary to the laws of nature" the sinful soul declares. The Creator of nature is not bound by the laws of His creature, the faithful heart responds.

Let us, O believers, think deeply about this wondrous event. "Where God wills," the Holy Church declares, "the order of nature is overruled." We do not say "the laws of nature" but "the order of nature." Neither mankind nor nature live according to the laws established by God. Because man corrupted his own nature through sin, all of nature became corrupted with him. Apostle Paul says that all of creation is in need of redemption, together with man. Therefore, Jesus Christ our God came into this world in a manner of birth which overruled the order of this fallen and corrupted nature. Why? Because He came to redeem the fallen and corrupted nature of mankind and of all creation.

It is only common sense, therefore, that He would enter the world in a way that cancelled the fallen laws of a corrupt nature. It is only logical that His mother should be the first member of our fallen race to be delivered from the bondage of our broken and sinful nature. By His will and grace, she gave birth while a virgin, and remained a virgin even after giving birth. By His divine will and boundless grace, she was raised higher than the angels, for she bore in her womb Him Whom the angels fear even to gaze upon. O Theotokos, most pure and ever virgin mother, we see in you our victory over the tyranny of our fallen nature, which is filled with passions and vices. We see in you the fulfillment of God's promise to our race. We see in you the hope and calling of all who will live by faith. With awe and love we chant to you the hymn given us by the Holy Spirit, singing:

"Ineffable is the childbearing of a seedless conception; incorrupt is the pregnancy of a Virgin Mother, for the birth of God in the flesh renews all nature. In all generations we magnify thee in Orthodox fashion as truly the Mother of God." (Irmos 9, Great Canon)