The Forefeast of the Nativity

The forefeast is the Church’s time of preparation immediately before Christmas. Beginning on December 20, the services turn our attention more closely toward Christ’s birth in Bethlehem. We are preparing to celebrate the Son of God becoming truly human for our salvation. Amid the work and noise of these days, the Church makes room for prayer and attention. We can join that preparation by reading the Gospel, making peace where we can, and noticing someone who might otherwise be forgotten.