To Enter Into

Today as we celebrate the Entry of the Most-Holy Mother of God into the temple, we focus on the word enter. We must pass through and enter wherever we go. We are prepared to enter into situations, clubs, and become part of clans, family, and society. It is with church also, according to tradition, we are entered in. The Theotokos, we learn through Holy Tradition, became familiar with, and became ready to meet God at a tender age, having been brought into the faith, learned how to pray and worship.

There was a time when parents of a young child would not have their kids Baptized, saying that it should be their choice, when the child was old enough to understand and make their own decision, accordingly. Many were convinced that parents should not "enter" their children into something that they may not want. An act that cannot be undone.

As a young mother, I had my two sons Baptized. We were comfortable, it was always the right decision to make, a tradition in my family--a faith decision. There are people who get Baptized down the road, but I'm convinced that the idea behind entering in at an early age sets you on the right path, a journey to salvation. The bible confirms our belief-- Ephesians Chapter 2:8-10 "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

Such is the story of Mary, set aside to be the Mother of God, who when she was given the news by Angel Gabriel, was prepared, having been made ready to receive it.

Our faith is no accident, we are chosen, destined people who are led by the light of Christ who is our Way, and our Life, and our only hope, when we enter in....initially through the faith of our family/friends and Church.

Our accomplishments are not by our own strength, but through faith in Christ. Like Mary, we need to hear, learn, and grow, saying yes, once we are entered into the church by faith, through Baptism.

Soon we will celebrate the birth of a child, through the faith of a mother who was not afraid to enter into faith as a child, becoming Theotokos--God's plan for all eternity.

scripture reference from the Orthodox Study Bible