All of Creation Rejoices in the apple of our eye

Today is the feast day of St. Nicholas. We enjoyed a delicious fish dinner following Liturgy, with our sister church.

Before leaving, I wished the priest and his family a blessed Christmas and we talked about some of his postings on face book. Finding Christ in nature and in His creations, we all can share beautiful thoughts about who, where, and the wonderful things our God has, and is doing for us.

The time to ponder on this is during this season of advent, when we naturally think of the days of old, our forefathers, and our many memories. The seasons add to this reflection, as they color our world and teach us about our Creator and His love for us.

It is a love story of a maker, fashioner and our God, who purposed us to share in the joy of knowing and loving Him.

He is the apple of our eye, and we are the apple of His, the bridegroom and His bride.

In Deuteronomy 32:10, He tells us that "He provided for him in the desert, in thirst of heat in a waterless place. He encircled him: He instructed him: He guarded him carefully as the apple of His eye."

Proverbs 7:2 "Keep My commandments, and live, and My law as the apple of your eye."

"Of all the trees of the woods, the "apple tree" gives nourishment with sweet fruit. In scripture, the apple is a symbol of favor. His commandments are sweet to those who thirst for the living Word." Taken from the Orthodox Study Book

Song of Songs 2:3 "As the apple among the trees of the woods, so is my beloved among the sons. I desired to be in his shadow and to sit down; and his fruit was sweet in my mouth".

2:5 "Strengthen me with cakes of raisins; Refresh me with apples, for I am wounded with love."

2:14 "Show me your face, and cause me to hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is beautiful."

We are the Bride (the Church), exalting the Bridegroom, those who thirst for the living Word, made flesh. He was, for our sake, born in a stable in Bethlehem; Be born in us today.