Entered Into The Church of his Ancestors

Sunday, baby Max was entered into the church of his ancestors. It was a great moment for him, and although he is just a babe, and unable to walk, the little one was escorted in, by the priest, who carried him around the altar. On his way back we noticed how large his eyes were and how happy he had suddenly become.

Christmas will be celebrated soon by the world and we will remember how Jesus was entered, and for the reason He came. The gospel writers, Matthew, Luke and John tell us that the Christ was born in the town of Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of Herod the King, and mention the star, wise men from the east, gifts. Luke tells us about the shepherds and angels. Quite the entrance into the world, and an historical account beginning with the genealogy of Jesus' Davidic descent. Under Mosaic Law, betrothal involves almost the same commitment as marriage, and Joseph, in (Matthew 1:24) is told to take Mary, the ever virgin as his wife. "Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, and as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife."

(Matthew 1:23) "Behold the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, " which is translated, "God with us."

Deuteronomy chapter 18:15 "The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear."  The Prophet to come would speak all the Father commanded Him. He is the Word made flesh (John1:14), the Prophet to come is God in the Flesh. (see Is54:13, Jn6:45).

 The historical events are all important, the horror of the cry in Ramah, which was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah, (Matthew 2:18)"A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted, because they are no more."
(Matthew 2:15) "that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, "Out of Egypt I called My Son,"

So here is the challenge of Christmas, that is; after the party, gift wrap, tinsel and tree. Will we put it all aside until next year, when commercialism and its quest for more goods and services, sends us around the full parking lot, half crazy to find that of what we need and must have, lining their already full pockets, with that which is highly popular, promoted...and with which we cannot live without ...Enough Already!

or, will we be seen Worshiping the true God, lying in the manger of our hearts as we enter into His holy church. (God dwells within His people). Will we be like Paul, who in his world view of Christian life in the church, gives credible testimony about the birth of Christ.--  (Romans1:3-6)"His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh."  "and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead," 

(Paul, originally called Saul, once persecuted the church, was converted on the road to Damascus, he was a Roman citizen from Tarsus.) Like him, we can all be changed. I used to wonder why the grandparents didn't show much enthusiasm for holiday shopping and decorating, until I became among the aged. My perspective is so very different from when I was a youngster. I can tell you for me, it's not all about the tree. There are gifts which are not material, like love, peace, charity, mercy and joy. Hopefully, we all can find time to share something with someone in need this Christmas and all through the year.

There is a feast celebrated, which commemorates the water flowing from the rock which Moses struck in the wilderness (Ex17 1-7) and provides the context for the Lord's words, if anyone thirsts. Which is the promise of the Pentecost. (John7 37-38)"Jesus stood and cried out saying -If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."

(Rev.21:6-7) "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son."

My hope and prayer then, for Max, this Christmas, and for always;-- and for all of us, is that we may always be found thirsting, desiring Living water, who is our God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.


All scriptural references are taken from the Orthodox Study Bible



 
 

 




 

The Greatest Gift of All

My little grandson of four, has been following me around with his scrap paper and pencil, in order to obtain a list of what I want from Santa. "What do you want for Christmas, grandma?" That is a loaded question. I look around at my cluttered home, which I try to alleviate by donations and the goodwill box every now and then, and frankly, find that I really do not need anything.  So I told him that I want him to be happy, to which he responded, "I am happy." That really made my day.

At a certain age of been there and done that, the only want that remains is not material, but spiritual. The real Christmas is what we all really need. It is why Christ came into this world, a world in need of change.

The best gift you can give and receive is forgiveness. Can you imagine what would happen if everyone forgave each other and lived to love one another? This world would be a heavenly place.

I often think of the words Jesus said on the cross, which had everything to do with reconciliation.(Luke 23:34) "Then Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do."

The angels greeted the shepherds with the message of Peace on Earth good will to men, guiding them, like the star of Bethlehem, to a baby born in a humble and unusual manner, of His virgin mother Mary,  and who accomplished the good news of salvation through His death and forgiveness on the cross. This gift of salvation and reconciliation is free, one that will cost you absolutely nothing, but gives you everything in return. The gift of life eternal. (John 1:4)"In Him was life, and the life was the light of men."

So this year, give and receive the gift of forgiveness, the gift of love, joy and peace. And, as the song goes, "Let it begin with me."

I promise that this gift will bring you true happiness, a one-size fits all.

Jesus born the only Pure and Sinless One

All babies are beautiful, but Jesus being born the only Pure One radiated light. He is the Light of the world and No Darkness was ever found in Him. He is the only sinless One. It is a fact that everyone that comes into this world endures the consequences of Adam and Eves sin--mortality, a tendency to sin, alienation from God and from other people. We do not carry the guilt of our first parents, and do not believe that an infant who dies unbaptized is condemned to hell. We must be born again.

The Baptism Sacrament gives us rebirth. We are united to Christ, putting on Christ after our death, and resurrection with Him, uniting us with Him, becoming Christian. Water was set apart by God as the means by which the Holy Spirit would bring to us new life and entrance into the heavenly Kingdom. We are Baptized in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Jesus tells us in John 3:5 "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."

It is important that we understand who the babe born in Bethlehem is. He is Jesus, the second person of the Trinity, sinless, the incarnate Son of God, born of Mary, the Virgin Mother of God. 2Corinthians 5:21 "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."

Jesus, the Son of God assumed the consequences of our sin--corruption and death--without sinning Himself, submitting Himself to unjust suffering because of our sinful passions.

Many today do not understand how important it is to be Baptized, becoming New Creatures, participating in the very righteousness of God.

Without Christmas, what hope existed for mankind?

John the Baptist makes it clear that Jesus had no need for Baptism and as Jesus approached him, in Matthew 3:20, John tries to prevent Him saying "I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?" But Jesus answered and said to him, "Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness."

Jesus did not need purification, and upon entering and coming out of the filthy sinful waters brought up with Him, sanctification of the entire world. None of which any of us are worthy of receiving.

We were all doomed, but through the Gift of Jesus, we have the only Hope that ever has or will exist, and it is your decision--coming from the gift of free will that we all have been given, starting with his Mother, Mary, when she said yes to Angel Gabriel, and accepted God's plan of salvation. She could have said no.

What will your answer be when He, the God of Love, calls on you? There is a beautiful song that I've been hearing this year called Mary did you know? The words are so meaningful. The line I get stuck on is this...
Mary did you know that the baby boy you delivered will someday deliver you? That is something to ponder about....Mary was born like the rest of us, needing salvation, too.

O Holy Night, the stars are brightly shining, it is the night of our Dear Saviors Birth, from which we are illumined.

All scripture references are taken from the Orthodox Study Bible

The light shines in the darkness

My youngest grandson does not like to sleep in or, enter a dark room. I recall as a young child being afraid of the dark too. It's a common problem. Darkness is nothing but that which is not illuminated, or exposed by light. Simply we turn a light on. Light brings security.

This time of the year, especially during the celebration of Christmas and the birth of Christ, who is the Light of the world,we are reminded that darkness cannot defeat the light, which it cannot comprehend. John 1: 5  "And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it."

The world seems dark, but just as the Christmas star and lights remind us, Light, and Love are eternal. John 12:46 "I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness." Darkness will oppose light, yet cannot defeat the light.
 
Ephesians 5:15 "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil."

1John 2:10 "He who loves his brother abides in the light."

It is a season of giving. James 1:17 tells us that "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights," we need to think about acknowledging that, first and foremost at the stable of our own heart, sharing every good thing with those we love.

May we proclaim the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light, "born in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11.

"The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned." Matthew 4:16.

We no longer need to fear the darkness.... 



All scriptural references were taken from the Orthodox Study Bible

 

 

Fool...Your Heart is where your Treasure is

"Fool" describes the action of people who live to consume things. Everything can be lost in the wink of an eye, even your life. Yet, many people need to accumulate money, and goods thinking it wise to have ample things--many in the hope of "when I retire," often not being well enough or even, live long enough to enjoy what they scrimped and saved for. Your precious accumulations may be thought of as junk by those who will distribute or discard the goods laid up through the many years. Wouldn't it be better to give them extra dollars now, rather than see them struggle, while you are comfortable.

The parable message found in the gospel of Luke 12:16-21 makes it perfectly clear that we are to be instead "rich toward God."

Soon Thanksgiving will be upon us, and even if we do not have much, there is always someone who has more and some who will have less. Maybe this would be a good time to think about being "rich toward God," sharing.

God is the giver of all things, all that we are to be thankful for. Why not open your heart to someone who is in need.  It's not just about the turkey, but about giving. Living in the here and now, and caring about those who have less. How can you eat, drink and be merry, while you know someone that could use your helping hand.

Beginning today, store up the treasure in your heart, the accumulation of love which will be taken with us for all eternity.

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

Halloween

On Friday, we observed Halloween, while dressing in costumes of happy characters, we tried to avoid thoughts of ghosts and scary monsters. It's a time for collecting candy and avoiding the ghoulish things. Would we want to admit that they exist amongst us?  Do they? Yet each and every year when we hear the tunes of the smash hit of 1984, Ghostbusters, we are reminded...who's afraid of the ghosts. If that isn't bad enough there was a ghost hunters special on television, in which the existence of spirits in a haunted house, which an exorcism had been performed in the late 1940's, was  scientifically being proven, utilizing  recording devices, electronic equipment, temperature measures and even provocation. This in an effort to prove that ghosts remained, and are present in substances, like wood, present in the home. It was an eerie presentation. The viewer was to believe that activity had transpired and was recorded.

The story of ghosts goes way back. Even the gospel gets in on the subject when, as mentioned in (Matthew, Chapter 14:26), eyewitnesses became troubled while on the fourth watch in the middle of the sea in a boat, being tossed about, as Jesus was approaching them, walking on the water. They said: "It is a ghost!"

Today's gospel tells the story of poor Lazarus the beggar who died "and was carried by the angels" (Luke 16:22). In contrast, the stingy rich man, could see Lazarus in heaven while he resided in hades, tormented. (verse 26). "There is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us." Clearly there are other places, not all good.

On the subject of angels, you are assigned one at your Baptism and your guardian angel is invisibly present with you always, (Matthew 18:10). We can take comfort in their existence.

The church offers us armor in our battle against unforeseen forces such as: the cross, holy water, blessed Icons. Each year, we are given the option of having a home blessing. Why are they available if not needed? Two thousand years of experience is compelling evidence.

The commentator on ghost hunter said that some spirits did not like the presence of holy water, which we know is sanctified. Also mentioned was the name of Jesus, and St. Michael. No need to ask why on both accounts.

Coming back to the response to the disciples on the boat in Matthew 14, by Jesus, verse (27), "Be of Good Cheer, It is I, Do Not Be Afraid." We have confidence in God's protection as read in (Psalm 91:15) "He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him. (16) With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation."

(1John 4:4) "You are of God, little children, He who is in You is greater than he who is in the world."(1John4:18) "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. (19) We love Him because He first loved us."
(1Corinthians 13:8) "Love never fails."

As someone wisely told me, "You are never alone..." Trust in the Lord for he is Good and a lover of mankind.

Today is Sunday, and it's cold and extremely windy, and we're in the month of November. Before you know it we will be celebrating our parishes 90th anniversary of the founding of the church of St. Michael.  So much to look forward to, thankfully now that Halloween is over.


All scriptural references have been taken from the Orthodox Study Bible