What does the Nativity Mean to my Classmate who Doesn't Know God

The Nativity of Christ is one of the most profound and joyous celebrations in the Coptic Orthodox tradition. It is a feast that not only celebrates the historical birth of Jesus Christ but also embodies the very essence of God’s love, humility, and salvation. Yet, it’s important to take a step back and reflect on what Nativity might mean to someone who does not know God. How does this moment in history speak to all humanity, especially to those unaware of or distant from God?

The Universal Message of the Nativity

At its heart, Nativity is about God reaching out to humanity. In the Coptic tradition, we believe that Christ’s birth was the ultimate act of divine love. St. John the Beloved proclaims, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Christianity is unique because in all other faiths, the believers seek after their creator. With the true and only God of Christianity, it is the Creator seeking his people. The Nativity really is a story of a Creator who intimately cares for His creation. God did not remain distant, waiting for us to find Him. Instead, He took the extraordinary step of entering our broken world, becoming one of us, so that He would restore what was lost. By taking on our humanity, He sanctified it and showed us that every human life has value and dignity.

To my classmate who doesn’t know God, the Nativity can be understood as a story of hope. It speaks of light entering a dark world, of the possibility of renewal, and of a love that seeks us even when we are unaware of it. This narrative is one that resonates deeply with the human experience, whether or not one believes in God. Everyone yearns for hope, love, and purpose, and Nativity invites us to see these fulfilled in the person of Christ. Whether they know God or not, the Nativity reminds us all that we are not accidents of history or biology. We are deeply loved, and our lives have meaning. This understanding can offer comfort and purpose, especially to those who may feel lost or insignificant.

God’s Humility: A Reflection for All

One of the most striking aspects of Nativity is the humility of God. Jesus, the King of Kings, was born in a manger—a place for animals. He came not in grandeur, but in simplicity and vulnerability. Christ lowered Himself to raise us up. In the writings of St. Athanasius the Apostolic, he mentions how God “became what we are, that He might make us what He is.” This humility carries a universal message: greatness is not found in power or wealth but in love, service, and self-giving.

To my classmate, the Nativity might symbolize a challenge to the world’s values. It invites reflection on what truly matters in life. In a society often focused on status, possessions, and individualism, the story of Christ’s humble birth reminds us of the beauty of selflessness and compassion. Even without a full understanding of who Jesus is, this example of humility can inspire anyone to live a life that seeks the good of others. In being humble and lifting others up, as Christ did with us, we can find true reward and fulfillment.

A Call to Share the Light

As a Coptic Orthodox Christian, I believe that Nativity calls us to action. St. Cyril of Alexandria reminds us, “The Word, by whom all things were made, became flesh so that He might transform the creation into the image of God and fill it with His light.” If Christ came to bring light into the world, then we, as His followers, are called to reflect that light. To my classmate who doesn’t know God, the Nativity may be a story they have heard but not understood. My role is to live out its message—not by preaching or judging but by embodying Christ’s love and humility.

As Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). The way most people experience God’s pure love is when He uses other people as mediums to transmit it. When I show kindness, forgiveness, and generosity, I can reveal the heart of the Nativity. When I listen to their struggles and walk alongside them without expecting anything in return, I become a witness to the God who came near. This is how the meaning of the Nativity can become real to someone who does not yet know God.

An Invitation to Discover

Ultimately, Nativity is an invitation. It is an open door to a relationship with the One who created us and loves us unconditionally. To my classmate who doesn’t know God, I would say: Nativity is for you. It is the story of a God who sees you, knows you, and comes for you. Even if you do not yet recognize Him, He has already extended His hand.

Through the Nativity, God speaks not just to the faithful but to all humanity, saying: “You are not alone. You are loved. Come and see.” And as someone who has encountered that love, it is my prayer and hope that one day my classmate might see the beauty of this message for themselves. Until then, I will strive to live out the meaning of the Nativity in a way that reflects God’s love to them.