Leavetaking of the Nativity of Christ

, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, “in Isaac shall thy seed be called,” accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, so to say, from which he also received him. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Ésau concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph, and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment… By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were compassed about for seven days. By faith the harlot Ráhab did not perish with those that did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.