December 2007

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

All around us we see signs that the Feast of the Nativity of Christ is drawing near: holiday concerts and other family, school, and office parties and celebrations are being held daily; holiday music is played on the radio and the holiday “spirit” is in the air; and homes, stores, streets, and other public places are adorned with lights, wreaths, ornaments, and other decorations.  We also decorate our homes and will soon decorate our parish church for the Feast.  Truly, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.”
In the meanwhile, as we continue the Fast and prepare to celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of Christ, we are invited daily to reflect upon its meaning in our lives and in the life and history of all mankind.  As Orthodox Christians who have preserved the theological significance and veneration of the holy icons, it is also natural for us at this time to reflect upon the icon of the Nativity—which portrays in lines and color the great Mystery of Christ’s Birth.
In the traditional icon of the Nativity, we see that the shepherds are doing more than caring for their flocks. One of the shepherds listens to the Good News proclaimed by the angelic messenger. He holds in his hand one of the tools of his trade, his shepherd’s crook. Other shepherds gather in the fields around Bethlehem.  They keep watch over their sheep and stand in awe as they also hear the angelic proclamation: “Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). We also see the heavenly hosts who, in bringing these glad tidings to earth, offer praise to God, singing, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14).
As we contemplate the icon of the Nativity, we easily observe a great swirl of activity, for in it, in addition to the shepherds, we also see the three Magi riding their horses and following the star which shines in the night sky.  We see the midwives doing their work, washing the Newborn Infant, and even testing the water to assure that it is not too warm! We observe that Joseph is seated a short distance from the manger, caught up in thought. He is being tempted to question the manner in which the Child has come into the world and to think ill of the Virgin Mary, his betrothed wife.  The       

devil is also present, portrayed as a bent old man.  He is busy, tempting a thoughtful Joseph to think evil of Mary. The Most Pure Virgin Mary is portrayed in the icon looking at Joseph in order to reassure him of the great mystery which they witness.  In many icons she is also portrayed pointing to the Infant Jesus, directing the way to He Who is “the Way, the Truth and the Life” (John 14:6). All those in portrayed in the icon are occupied with some aspect of the birth of the Savior, they are “busy,” performing some action or doing some work- with the exception of the Newborn Infant Savior, “wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12).  However, there is no doubt that it is the Infant Christ Who is at the very center of the icon and Who is the center of all attention.  He is the focal point of the icon and is, indeed, the focal point of all creation and of all human history and activity.
Throughout the days and weeks ahead, many of us will be tempted to enter into the business and “busy-ness,” most of it unwarranted, which has become part and parcel of this time of the holiday season.  Unfortunately, our hectic holiday activities may even distract us from the significance of the feast we celebrate: the Pre-Eternal Son of God taking on our human flesh in the womb of the Most Pure Virgin, and being born in a stable in Bethlehem, “for us and for our salvation.”  However, by following the guidance given us by the Church and with proper preparation, through attendance at the Divine Services, through prayer, fasting, and repentance, we will surely not lose sight of the Mystery we are invited to celebrate.  As the feast approaches, let us continue to pray for ourselves and for each other, that each one of us will remain focused on Christ Who is born for us.  Just as the Newborn Savior lies in the manger in the center of the Nativity icon, so may He remain the focal point of our Nativity celebrations and always be at the center of our lives.

May the Lord Jesus Christ, born for us in Bethlehem, bless you, your families, and your loved ones with a bright and joyous celebration of His Nativity.  And may He grant us all a New Year that is filled with His health, prosperity, and all that is needed for our salvation.

With love in the Lord,