Christmas
Greetings
by Fr. Bijumon Jacob
Seasons greetings to all patrons, readers, members, moderators and editors of the beloved SOCM Forum and SOSDIGEST from Kuwait
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace" Isaiah 9:6.
Dear Beloved,
"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the
Lord." (Luke 2:10-11)
Yet another Christmas has tolled the bell at our doorsteps with the message of Peace and happiness amongst men. It is desirable to welcome the birth of Christ by decorating our homes with Stars and preparing the manger in our hearts.
Christmas is the celebration of the incarnation of God as Man. "Christmas is the great event of God entering into human history." The word that said "let there be..." at the Creation is today taking up flesh and blood and being born as the Son of the Virgin Mary at the manger in Bethlehem.
"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the
Father) full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). The God, who came down to Earth from heaven in order to transform earth into heaven, showed us the full extent of the charisma, glory and greatness of life as Man.
The humble shepherds in the outskirts of Bethlehem who were tending the sheep in the bitter and snowy cold night were the first lucky persons to hear this good news.
"And the angel said unto them …." (Luke 2:10-11).
Moses, a shepherd at the mount of Horeb and David, another shepherd in Bethlehem were both honest people doing the work entrusted to them with responsibility and loyalty; and God lifted them up to be leaders of men. Likewise the shepherds in Bethlehem who were awake fighting sleep and the cold, taking care of their flock from the attacks of robbers and wild animals are our role models. When we perform the responsibilities entrusted to us in our Workplace, Home, Church and society with sincerity and faithfulness we too will receive the vision and messages of God.
It is also worth listening to the song of the Angels as heard by the shepherds, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he
favors!" St. Luke 2:14.
Let us pray that this message of peace and goodwill through God's grace will change the world which is today reeling under the threat of war and strife. Let us banish evil from our hearts and fill it with the Good news of Christmas.
Wish every one of you a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
May God Bless you all.
Fr. Bijumon Jacob
Vicar of St. George Universal Syrian Orthodox Church, Kuwait
http://www.stgeorgesyriankuwait.com/
