By Presbytera Emily Harakas
Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year-wonderful, yes, but probably the busiest! There are so many things to do-especially for the homemaker. The special gift(s) to purchase, the house and tree trimming, the cooking, the baking, the Christmas party and entertainment, the Church Pageant and the caroling … etc., all this wonderful preparation for the most “wonderful time of the year!”
During the year, our Orthodox Church observes many fast days and periods of fasting. These times are excellent opportunities given to us for self-examination, repentance, and spiritual growth. The Christmas Fast, observed from November 15 to December 24, is one of these opportunities, and we are asked by our Church to observe this fasting period as a time of prayer and thanksgiving to God. All the “external preparation” as stated above is fine, and is probably done very lovingly and beautifully. But more importantly, we must also prepare ourselves and/or our families “internally,” and take, or better still, make the time for some quiet edifying reading or spiritual exercise to keep our heart and mind focused on the miracle of the birth of our Lord Jesus, and meditating on the depth of God’s love for us. We also have the opportunity to prayerfully honor and commemorate the Theotokos, the mother of our Lord. Her faith, courage, and complete love and trust in God is certainly an example for all of us to emulate.
THE PROPHECIES
The illustrious prophets will always be blessed
as lightning-flashes proceeding from
divine inspiration. Receiving the words of
the Spirit, they clearly announced to
all the mysterious conception of Christ
our God. They indeed merited to
attain their goal because of their lives
which arouse the greatest wonder.
-Vesper Service
The Prophets of the Old Testament were the voice of God. They cried out loudly and boldly, not only to predict future happenings and events, but to try and build a moral society by correcting the sinful actions and sometimes disobedience of the peoples of their time.
There were those times, however, when the prophets spoke of God’s undying love for His people. Their voices were not harsh, but tender and they would explain to the people that although God may punish them at times, the discipline they received was always motivated by His love for them.
There were both men and women prophets from every walk of life, chosen by God who spoke to them, giving them a special message to proclaim to the people of their time and generation. This special message was overwhelming and compelling, and they were obligated to proclaim it, not only with their voices, but with their actions as well.
Many times, however, their voices went unheeded. Few would listen to them, but still their deep and strong commitment to God and to the special message He would give to them, is evidenced throughout the Scriptures, and is relevant throughout the ages, down to the present!
The prediction of the coming of the Messiah had as its purpose to save not only the generation of the Hebrew nation, but all future generations. The birth of the Messiah would be the gift of God to all humanity. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
~ Presbytera Emily Harakas & Fr. Anthony Coniaris, DAILY MEDITATIONS and Prayers for the CHRISTMAS ADVENT Fast and Epiphany: Living the Days of Advent and Epiphany according to the Orthodox Church Calendar
