The Nativity of Our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ

My beloved spiritual children in Christ Our Only True God and Our Only True Savior,
CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM!

"And when the fullness of time was come, God sent His Only-Begotten Son" (Galatians 4:4), to save the human race. And when the ninth month had come after the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Most Holy Virgin in Nazareth, saying: "Hail, thou that art highly favored...thou shalt conceive and bear a son" - at that time a decree went forth from Caesar Augustus that all the inhabitants of the Roman Empire be taxed. In accordance with this decree, everyone had to go to his own town and there be inscribed. Therefore righteous Joseph came with the Most Holy Virgin to Bethlehem, the city of David, for they were both of the royal House of David. But, there being a great many people in that small city for the census, Joseph and Mary could not find a lodging in any house and found shelter in a cave which the shepherds used as a sheepfold. In this cave, the Most Holy Virgin gave birth to the Savior of the world, the Lord Jesus Christ. Bearing Him without pain, as he was conceived without sin of the Holy Spirit and not of man, she herself wrapped Him in swaddling bands, worshipped Him as God and laid Him in a manger. Then righteous Joseph drew near and worshipped Him as the Divine Fruit of a virgin womb.  Then the shepherds came in from the fields, directed by an Angel of God, and worshipped Him as Messiah and Savior. The shepherds had heard a multitude of Angels singing: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill among men" (St. Luke 2:14). At that time there also came Wise Men from the East, led by a wonderful Star, bearing their gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh, and worshipped Him as King of kings, offering Him their gifts (St. Matthew 2:11). Thus He came into the world Whose coming had been foretold by the Prophets and Who was born in the way that they had prophesied: of the Most Holy Virgin, in the city of Bethlehem, of the lineage of David according to the flesh, at the when there was no longer in Jerusalem a king of the tribe of Judah, but Herod the stranger was on the throne. After many types and prefigurings, messengers and heralds, Prophets, and righteous men, Wise Men and kings, finally He appeared, the Lord of the world and King of kings, to perform the work of salvation of mankind that could not be performed by His servants. May His be Eternal Glory and praise! Amen.

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FOR CONSIDERATION

The Lord Jesus, born in Bethlehem, was first worshipped by shepherds and Wise Men from the East--the simplest and the wisest of this world. In our day also, those who most sincerely worship the Lord Jesus as God and Savior are the simplest and the wisest of this world. Twisted simplicity and crazed wisdom have always been enemies of Christ's Divinity and of His Gospel. But who were these Wise Men from the East? This question was closely investigated by Saint Dimitri of Rostov. He asserts that they were kings of small regions or groups of towns in Persia, Arabia, and Egypt. At the same time, they were greatly learned in astrology. The wonderful Star that heralded the Birth of the New King appeared to them. According to Saint Dimitri, this Star appeared nine months before the birth of the Lord Jesus; that is, at the time when the Most Holy Mother of God conceived Him. They spent these nine months in studying this Star, in preparing for the journey and in traveling. They arrived in Bethlehem very shortly after the Birth of the Savior of the world. One of them was called Melchior. He was old, withered, with long white hair and beard. He brought the Lord the gift of gold. The second man was called Caspar; ruddy of face, young and beardless. He brought the Lord the gift of frankincense. The third was called Balthazar; black-skinned and heavily bearded. He brought the Lord the gift of myrrh. After their deaths, their bodies (holy relics) were taken to Constantinople, from Constantinople to Milan and from Milan to Cologne. It can be added that these three Wise Men represented the three chief races of men that descended from Noah's three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. The Persian represented Japheth, the Arabian Shem, and the Egyptian Ham. Thus it can be said that, through these three, the whole human race worshipped Our Incarnate Lord and God.

HOMILY

--on the birth of the Lord, the Son of God.

"I came forth from the Father and am come into the world" (St. John 16:28)

The Only-Begotten Son of God, my brethren, begotten in eternity of the Father without a mother, was born in time of a Mother without a father. That first begetting is an unfathomable mystery of the Holy Trinity in eternity, and this second birth is an unfathomable mystery of God's power and love for mankind in time. The greatest mystery in time corresponds to the greatest mystery in eternity. Without probing with the light of our small understanding into this greatest of mysteries, let us be content, my brethren, with the discovery that our salvation had its origin not from men nor from the earth but from the greatest heights of the invisible, divine world. Such is God's mercy and such is man's greatness, that God the Son Himself came down from eternity into time, from heaven to earth, from the Throne of Glory to the shepherd's cave, solely to save man, to cleanse him from sin and to lead him back to Paradise. "I came forth from the Father", where He had everything, "and am come into the world", that could give Him nothing. The Lord was born in a cave, to show that the whole world is a dark cave that only He can illumine. The Lord was born in Bethlehem -- the House of Bread -- to show that He is the Only Bread of Life worthy of True men.

O Lord Jesus, the Pre-Eternal Son of the Living God and Son of the Ever-Virgin Mary, enlighten us and nourish us with Thyself. To Thee be Glory and Praise forever. Amen. (Source: The Prologue from Ochrid)

A BLESSED AND HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ONE AND ALL!

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"Glory Be To GOD For All Things!" -- Saint John Chrysostomos

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With sincere agape in His Divine Incarnation,
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+Father George

Artaban's Gifts: A Story (Part II)

My beloved spiritual children in Christ Our Only True God and Our Only True Savior,
CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.

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ARTABAN' S GIFTS: A STORY (Part II)
From The Story of the Other Wise Man by Henry Van Dyke

The Jew thanked the Persian Magi once again and the two men went their separate ways. Artaban turned back; it would be folly to attempt the journey through the desert alone; he needed to hire some men for protection, to buy some camels and load them with provisions and water. A week went by. He was obliged to sell one of the gems in order to equip his caravan, but Artaban did not sorrow too much; he still had two gems. The main thing was not to be late in reaching the King. He hurried the servants, and the caravan moved as quickly as possible. Finally, they reached Bethlehem. Tired, dusty, but happy, he rode up to the first house. He went in and showered the host with questions. "Did some men from the East come here to Bethlehem? Where did they go? Where are they now?

The mistress of the house, a young woman, was nursing a baby and at first shied away from the stranger, but then she calmed down and related that a few days earlier some foreigners had come in search of Mary of Nazareth and had brought her baby some expensive gifts. Where they had gone, she did not know. That very night Mary together with Joseph and the Baby had left Bethlehem to go into hiding.  

"People say that they went to Egypt, that Joseph had a dream and that the Lord ordained that they should flee from here." While the mother spoke, the baby fell asleep and a pure smile played on his pretty, innocent face. Artaban had not had time to think about this news, about what he should do next, when a commotion broke from the street: wild cries, the clanging of weapons, women wailing. Half-dressed women, their heads uncovered, their faces contorted with fear, ran through the settlement carrying thier infants and crying:

"Flee to safety! Herod's soldiers are killing our children!" The face of the young mother paled, her eyes grew large. Pressing the sleeping infant to her breast, she could only say, "Save the child! Save him, and God will save you!"

Without a moment's thought, Artaban rushed to the door; there just beyond the threshold stood the troop's captain, and behind him could be seen the bestial faces of the soldiers, their swords red with the blood of innocent children. Artaban's hand as if automatically reached into his chest; he produced a bag from which he extracted one of the remaining gems and gave it to the captain.

The latter had never seen such a treasure; he clutched it greedily and rushed his soldiers away to continue their dreadful business. The woman fell to her knees before Artaban. "May God bless you for my child! You are seeking for the King of Righteousness, of Love and Kindness. May His face shine before you and may He look upon you with the love with which I am now looking at you."

Artaban carefully raised the woman to her feet; tears of mixed joy and sadness ran down his cheeks. "God of Truth, forgive me! For the sake of this woman and her child, I gave away the precious stone which was meant for You. Will I ever see Your face? Here once again I am late. I shall follow after You into Egypt." The poor Magos walked for a long, a long time, seeking the King of Righteousness. He traveled through many countries, he saw many different peoples, but nowhere did he find the desired object of his wanderings. His heart ached and more than once he wept bitter tears. "Lord", he thought, "how much grief, suffering and unhappiness there is everywhere. How soon will You reveal Yourself and bring consolation to people's lives?" He helped the poor, cared for the sick, consoled the unfortunate, visited prisoners. From the sale of the first gem he had money, and he spent this on helping his neighbor. The last gem, however, he carefully guarded near his heart, thinking that at least this gift he could someday bring to the King, when he found Him.

Thirty-three years had gone by since Artaban had left his homeland. His figure had become stooped, his hair white, but his heart still burned with love for the One Whom he sought so long. One day the elderly Magos heard that the Anointed One of God had appeared in Judea, and that He was performing many wondrous deeds--by a word He healed the sick, raised the dead, made saints of sinners and hopelessly wicked men. Artaban's heart began to race with joy.

"At last", he thought, trembling with emotion, "I shall find you and be able to serve You." Arriving in Judea, he discovered that everyone was going to Jerusalem for the Feast of Passover. There, too, was the Prophet Jesus Whom the Magos so desired to see. Together with crowds of the faithful Artaban reached the Holy City. He found a great commotion; great multitudes of people were surging along the streets. "Where are they hurrying?" asked Artaban. "To Golgotha. It is a hill on the outskirts of the city where today, together with two thieves, Jesus Christ of Nazareth is to be crucified. He claimed to be the Son of God, the King of the Jews".

Artaban fell to the ground, weeping bitterly. "Again...again I am late. I never had the opportunity to see You, Lord, to serve You". But perhaps it is not too late after all. I'll go to His torturers and offer them my last remaining gem. It may be that I can buy His freedom. Artaban arose and hastened after the crowd to Golgotha. Suddenly, at one of the cross-streets, a contingent of soldiers barred his way. They were dragging a girl to prison. Recognizing Artaban as a fellow-countryman, she seized a corner of his clothing.

"Pity me!" she begged. "Free me. I too am from Persia. My father came here to trade; he brought me and then fell ill and died. For the debts he incurred they want to sell me into slavery, for a life of shame. Save me. Save me from dishonor, save me, I beg you!"

The old Magos shuddered. The former battle again broke out in his heart--to keep the gem for the Great King or give it away for the sake of the unfortunate girl? Pity for the girl won out. Artaban reached into the pouch at his breast and took out his last treasure; he gave the gemstone to the girl. "Here, buy with this your freedom, my daughter. For thirty-three years I have guarded this treasure for my King. Evidently I am unworthy of bringing Him a gift."

While he spoke, the sky grew clouded. It was midday and yet it was dark as night. The earth shook and groaned heavily, as it were. Thunder crashed, lightning ripped the sky from end to end; a great cracking was heard; houses shook, walls rocked and stones showered down. A heavy slate tore off the room and hit the head of the old man. He fell to the ground and lay there, pale and streaming with blood.

The girl bent down to help him. Artaban moved his lips in a barely audible whisper. His face was radiant. The dying man was looking at Someone standing invisibly before him. "Lord", he uttered, "but when did I see You hungry and fed You? When did I see You thirsty and gave You drink? Thirty-three years I looked for You and not once did I see Your face; never was I able to serve You, My King". Like the slight evening breeze which caressed the hair of the dying man, there came from above a tender, unearthly voice: "Truly I say to you, all that you ever did for your needy brothers you did for Me".

Artaban's face became transfigured. His heart at peace, he lifted his eyes thankfully to heaven and fell asleep unto all ages.

The prolonged journeying of the old Magi had come to an end. He had found at last the Great King, the Savior; his gifts had been accepted.  (Source: Orthodox Heritage)

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"Glory Be To GOD For All Things!" -- Saint John Chrysostomos

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With sincere agape in His Holy Nativity,
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+Father George

Saint Modestos the Protector and Healer of Animals (Dec. 18)

My beloved spiritual children in Christ Our Only True God and Our Only True Savior,

CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.

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ON DECEMBER 18TH OUR HOLY ORTHODOX CHIRSTIAN CHURCH COMMEMORATES THE FEAST OF SAINT MODESTOS, PATRIARCH OF JERUSALEM.

Knowing how many of you have animals that you love and take care of I felt that all of you need to know about Saint Modestos, Patriarch of Jerusalem who also loved animals and took care of them and if they were injured or sick he would heal them.

Saint Modestos was only five months old when his parents died, but, by God's Providence, he was brought up in a Christian spirit. When he was grown up, he was sold as a slave to a pagan in Egypt, but he succeeded in bringing his owner to the Christian faith, and he freed him. He withdrew to Mount Sinai, where he lived in asceticism. He was then chosen as Patriarch of Jerusalem, and governed Christ's flock like a true shepherd, entering peacefully into rest in 634 A.D.

The holy man received such grace and power from on high that he could perform miracles of healing for both man and beast. Diverse infirmities fled before his prayers, and dumb animals were cured. Hear, brethren, to a number of his miracles.

During the harvest, a farmer harnessed his oxen, loaded his cart, and went to his winnowing floor. The pernicious devil, desirous of putting the servant of God, Modestos, into distress, disturbed the oxen, and they fell on the road, motionless. In anguish, the farmer wept aloud, crying, "May God save my oxen through the prayers of our holy Father Modestos!" By the Holy Spirit, the Saint perceived the malice of the devil and hastened to the site. By his prayer, he restored to life the oxen, and the man went on his way. Nevertheless, not long after, as the man was traveling, the oxen once again collapsed. Again, the Saint knew this through the Holy Spirit, so he returned and immediately revived the beasts again. The holy Modestos then removed his belt, tied it to the team, and said to the farmer, "Go, brother, and fear no more." The evil demons could not bear this nor the girding of the team for it was this bond that prevented him from committing his foul deed. He cried out, saying, "Thou has dealt with me unjustly, O Modestos! This man and his substance were mine, for he did all according to my will. Now that you have come to his aid, I am put to scorn. Indeed, the ingrate now believes in you and has abandoned me, though I have assisted him many times when he called upon me! "Saint Modestos rebuked the demon, saying, "Get thee gone from this man, O devil, for your dwelling place is the outer darkness!" And straightway the devil vanished and never appeared again.

God glorified the Saint with so many signs and miracles that he was both cherished and deemed a wonder to many throughout Jerusalem. As he was going through the city one day, he came upon a poor man whose only calf had died, causing the man to weep inconsolably over his plight. The Saint beheld all this and greatly pitied him. Then, through prayer, the holy Archbishop revived the calf.

A certain widow owned five teams of oxen, which were visited by a dreadful and serious disease. Since the woman had no other means of support, she wept and grieved. She visited various churches and implored the Saint to help her in her misfortune. When she still did not receive benefit, she availed herself and supplicated the holy unmercenary healers, Kosmas and Damian, saying, "Saints of God, have mercy on me, a sinner, for, because of my sins, my oxen are in danger of dying!" As she slept, Saint Kosmas appeared to her, and said, "Woman, we do not possess the gift of healing animals, this being vouchsafed to Modestos, the great Hierarch of Jerusalem! If you go to him, he will cure your oxen." She then arose and hastened to seek out the holy Modestos. However, she could not locate him, since he lived outside the city; but she continued to pray that she might find the holy veterinarian. One night, the Hierarch appeared to her in a dream and inquired, "Why are you crying, O woman? I am Modestos whom you seek. I have heard your prayer and am come to heal your oxen. Yet, attend: as soon as you rise, divide out pieces of metal from the steel tools in your possession and take them to the church dedicated to the Archangel Michael. Near the church dwells Efstathiosm, a worthy metalworker, who will make you a Cross. Take it back to your house on a day when the priest shall serve the Divine Liturgy. You must light candles and have the priest anoint the cross with oil and sprinkle the oxen, invoking the name of Christ. Through my intercession, the disease shall depart." The woman did as she was instructed, and the oxen recovered. From then on the beasts worked well, and all glorified God, because He bestowed much power upon His servant Modestos. Furthermore, the demonic art of the magicians and infidels no longer could bring evil upon the homes of the Christians who appealed to the power of the wondrous Cross. (Truly, even now, for them that celebrate the memory of our Saint and fashion a cross in like manner annually, both their homes and livestock are preserved from every diabolic attempt by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

O Saint Modestos, we beg you to free us from grievous circumstances, grant us healing of our infirmities, and protect your flock from rapacious wolves. All who in faith desire to celebrate the Saint's memory have, as a helper of their home and a deliverer from every evil, our God, to Whom is due glory and dominion, now and ever. Amen.

Please tell your children about Saint Modestos who also loves animals and brings healing when people and animals become sick. There are of course many other Saints of Our Holy Church that also bring healing to all believers and animals. (Source: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church and The Prologue from Ochrid)

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"Glory Be To GOD For All Things!" -- Saint John Chrysostomos

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With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia,
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+Father George

Artaban's Gifts: A Story

My beloved spiritual children in Christ Our Only True God and Our Only True Savior,
CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.

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ARTABAN'S GIFTS: A STORY
Source: "Orthodox America," issue no. October 1991

In the days of Herod the king, when the Savior of the world was born in a poor cave near Bethlehem, an enormous star suddenly lit up the sky over the countries of the East. The star shone with a bright, dazzling light and slowly but steadily moved in one direction, towards the land of the Hebrews. The astronomers, or magi as they were called, took note of this new light. The thought it was a sign from God that somewhere had been born the Great King, Whose Coming had been foretold in the Hebrew books, the King of Righteousness, the Deliverer of people from evil, the Teacher of a new, righteous life. Several of them, who devoted themselves especially diligently to the study of God's Truth on earth, and were grieved by the extent of men's wickedness, decided to go seek for the newborn King, to worship Him and serve Him. Just where they would find Him, they did not know; perhaps they would have to travel a long time. At that time, the route towards the Hebrew land was dangerous. They decided to gather in a caravan, following the star in search of the Great King.

Together with the other magi, the great Persian wise man Artaban prepared for the journey. He sold all his possessions, his elegant home in the capital, and with the money, he bought three precious gems: a sapphire, a ruby, and a pearl. These jewels were extremely costly; a whole fortune was paid for them. Indeed, they were each uniquely beautiful. One shone like a piece of blue sky in a starry night; another burned brighter than a brilliant sunrise; the third surpassed in whiteness the snowy mountain peaks. All of this, together with a heart full of the most fervent, unreserved love, Artaban was going to lay at the feet of the newly-born King of Righteousness and Goodness.

In his house, Artaban gathered for the last time with all of his close friends, said his good-byes and departed on his journey. It was several days' ride to the gathering place, but Artaban was confident he would not be late. He had a strong, swift horse; he had precisely calculated the time it would take, and each day he covered the appointed distance. The last twenty-four hours arrived with only a few dozen miles to his destination, and he chose to ride all night in order to arrive by dawn. His faithful horse was still far from worn out; the night breeze was cool; in the infinite sky above shone the New Star, like a bright Lamp burning before the Altar of God.

"There it is, God's Sign!" said Artaban to himself, keeping his eyes fixed on the Star. "The Great King is coming to us from the sky, and soon, Lord, I shall see You."

"Faster, my friend! Increase your pace!" he encouraged his horse, gently slapping the reins.

The horse responded, his hooves pounding louder and faster along the road through the forest of palm trees. The darkness began to dissipate; here and there came the chirping of awakening birds. One could sense the nearness of morning. Suddenly the horse drew up short, snorted and started to move backward. Artaban peered into the half-light and there, almost under the horse's very hooves, he saw a man lying. He quickly dismounted and inspected the prostrate figure. He turned out to be a Jew, exhausted by a raging fever. One could have taken him for dead but for the weak, barely audible groans which broke intermittently from his cracked lips. Artaban deliberated: to pass by, to hasten to the meeting place, leaving the sick man was something his conscience would not allow; but to remain with the Jew in order to revive him would take several hours, and he would be late for the rendezvous; the caravan would leave without him. What shall I do? thought Artaban. I will go on, he decided, and he lifted his foot into the stirrup. But the sick man, sensing that his last hope was about to abandon him, groaned so pitiably that its pain resonated in the magus's heart.

"Great God!" he prayed. "You know my thoughts. You know my efforts to see you. Direct my steps! Is it not your voice of love that is speaking in my heart? I cannot pass by; I must help this unfortunate Jew."

With these words the magi returned to the sick man; he loosened his clothing and brought him some water from a nearby stream. He refreshed the man's face and moistened his dry lips. From a pack attached to his saddle his obtained some medicine, mixed it with some wine and poured it into the Jew's mouth; he rubbed his chest and hands, gave him something to sniff, and so spent many hours with the sick man. Dawn had long ago come and gone, the sun already stood high in the sky; it was approaching noon when the Jew was finally able to get to his feet. He did not know how to thank the kind stranger.

"Who are you?" the Jew asked Artaban. "Tell me for whom I and my family should pray to God until the last of our days? And why are you so sad? What grief afflicts you?"  

 Artaban told him who he was and where he was going. "My friends have certainly left without me," he said sorrowfully, "and I shall not seethe King of my desires."

The Jew's face lit up.

"Do not be sad, my benefactor. I can repay you in a very small way for your kindness. In my sacred scripture, it is said that King of Righteousness promised by God will be born in the city of Bethlehem of Judah. Even if your friends have left, you can make your way to Bethlehem and, if the Messiah has been born, you will find Him there."  (Source: Orthodox Heritage from The Story of the Other Wise Man by Henry Van Dyke)

(To be continued)

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"Glory Be To GOD For All Things!" -- Saint John Chrysostomos

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With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia (Ministry),
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+Father George

Our Personal Struggle to Prepare for the Birth of Christ our Lord and Savior

My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ Our Savior,

I would like to encourage all of you to continue your struggle to prepare spiritually for the Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. During this holy season the Orthodox Christian intensifies his or her spiritual lives in order to ready our souls and bodies for the Great Feast. We do this through fasting, prayer, alms-giving, repentance/confession and increased attention given to "preparing for His coming" to make sure we've done what we can to make a "fit dwelling place for Him" in our hearts and lives. It is necessary and most important that we increase our prayer life, turn and study the Holy Scripture and spiritual books written by the Saints of our Church. Everyone must make a strong effort to avoid gossiping, slander, anger, hatred, laziness, arrogance, and pride.

If you prepare in this way, God will bless you and we will find the Holy Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord to be far more spiritually rewarding than ever before. As Orthodox Christian believers we understand the purpose of fasting is to focus on the things that are above, the Kingdom of God. It is a means of putting on virtue in reality, here and now. Through it we are freed from dependence on worldly things. We fast faithfully and in secret, not judging others, and not holding ourselves up as an example.

It is tragic when even during the holy season of the Nativity there are those who miss the target, Christ Our Savior. Everything in life centers around the Person of Our God and Savior Jesus Christ for He is the Life and the Resurrection. He is Agape and Grace and Peace.

People who have no faith, have no love, have no inner peace, have no hope, are people who live in sadness and despair. Their life is empty and filled with fear and anger. The unfortunate thing is that they are lead by the Evil One to engage in sinful and evil acts and attempt to distract others from fulfilling their struggle and preparation for the coming of Christ. We must pray for them and God's forgiveness and mercy.  

Permit me to turn your attention to the holy Apostle James (Iakovos), and who in his epistle writes to every Christian about the dangers of the spiritual warfare that we are engaged in and specifically about the misuse of the tongue. He writes, "Indeed, we put bits in horses mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind.  But no man can tame the tongue. If is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison..." (St. James 3:3-8).

I must caution you not to give in to temptation and ignore the word of God. When we turn away from Him we bring up ourselves condemnation, darkness and destruction of our souls. Death can come to anyone of us at any time and it is imperative that we are spiritually prepared. I don't believe that anyone would want to leave this world, this life, full of anger, hatred, and full of malice. Instead, let us at this solemn, beautiful, joyous, and holy season open our hearts to the grace of God and allow Him to dwell within them. To bring His Light and to warm our hearts that may be cold, dark, suffering with hopelessness and who are tormented because of lack of faith and love.

Let us accept the gift of Salvation that comes through His Divine Birth and give glory and praise to Our Creator and Redeemer. Instead of spreading slander and gossip, let everyone spread the Good News of His Coming.

With agape in His Divine Birth,
+Father George

The Nativity of Saint John Chrysostom (Part II)

My beloved spiritual children in Christ Our Only True God and Our Only True Savior,
CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.  Ο ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΕΝ ΤΩ ΜΕΣΩ ΗΜΩΝ! ΚΑΙ ΗΝ ΚΑΙ ΕΣΤΙ ΚΑΙ ΕΣΤΑΙ.

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THE NATIVITY SERMON (Part II)
By Saint John Chrysostom

Christ, finding the holy body and soul of the Virgin, builds for Himself a Living Temple, and as He had willed, formed there a man from the Virgin; and, putting Him on, this day came forth; unashamed of the lowliness of our nature.

For it was to Him no lowering to put on what He Himself had made. Let that handiwork be forever glorified, which became the cloak of its own Creator. For as in the first creation of flesh, man could not be made before the clay had come into His hand, so neither could this corruptible body be glorified, until it had first become the garment of its Maker.

What shall I say! And how shall I describe this Birth to you? For this wonder fills me with astonishment. The Ancient of Days has become an infant. He Who sits upon the sublime and heavenly Throne, now lies in a manger. He Who cannot be touched, Who is simple, without complexity, and incorporeal, now lies subject to the hands of men. He Who has broken the bonds of sinners, is now bound by an infant's bonds. But He has decreed that ignominy shall become honor, infamy be clothed with glory, and total humiliation the measure of His Goodness.

For this He assumed my body, He gives me His spirit; and so He bestowing and I receiving. He prepares for me the treasure of Life. He takes my flesh, to sanctify me; He gives me His Spirit that He may save me.

Come, then, let us observe the Feast. Truly wondrous is the whole chronicle of the Nativity. For this day the ancient slavery is ended, the devil confounded, the demons take to flight, the power of death is broken, paradise is unlocked, the curse is taken away, sin is removed from us, error driven out, truth has been brought back, the speech of kindliness diffused, and spreads on every side, a heavenly way of life has been planted on the earth, angels communicate with men without fear, and men now hold speech with angels.

Why is this? Because God now on earth, and man in heaven; on all things commingle. He became Flesh. He did not become God. He was God. Wherefore He became flesh, so that He Whom heaven did not contain, a manger would this day receive. He was placed in a manger, so that He by Whom all things are nourished, may receive an infant's food from His Virgin Mother. So, the Father of all ages, as an infant at the breast, nestles in the virginal arms, that the Magi may more easily see Him. Since this day the Magi too have come, and made a beginning of withstanding tyranny; and the heavens give glory, as the Lord is revealed by a star.

To Him, then, Who out of confusion has wrought a clear path, to Christ, to the Father, and to the Holy Spirit, we offer all praise, now and forever. Amen.  (Source: Orthodox Heritage)

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"Glory Be To GOD For All Things!"-- Saint John Chrysostomos

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With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia (Ministry),
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+Father George