A Reflection on His Nativity

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.

A Reflection On His Nativity
By Father Charles Joiner

"The Lord of David and Son of David hid His glory in swaddling clothes. His swaddling clothes gave a robe of glory to human beings" (Saint Ephraim the Syrian).

He came in a most humble way delivered in a stable and wrapped in simple clothing. Yet as Saint Ephraim says, this simple beginning gave to all mankind robe of glory. What is this robe of glory?

When we think of this robe of glory that He gave us we must first think back to His nature and the way He was brought into the world. He came in humility and left this world in humility. His robe was not made of golden threads. His Birth and subsequent life had nothing to do with material well being. He lived with a pure heart, one that glorified God, one that shone for all to see.

We must begin our reflection on this day with total humility. We must admit our weaknesses, our ways that deviate from what He taught and demonstrated to us. We must acknowledge our pride and our desire to hide our dirty inner clothing with fancy outer clothing. We must admit that we do not have this robe of glory that He brought for all mankind. We must make ourselves feel His humility.

With this reflection we must also remember the unending and limitless love He has for all His children. Acknowledging His love for us we can be joyful that we are so important to God and in our knowledge that He will do anything to guide us towards His perfection. He holds for us a robe of glory.

Let us rejoice in this glory that awaits us. Let us recognize Jesus for Who He really is, God Incarnate (God in the flesh). Let us for a short moment try on that robe of glory. Let us experience His peace and love of all mankind. Joy to the world, the Lord has come! Glorify Him. Follow Him. [Source: Orthodox Heritage]

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"This Christmas night bestowed peace on the whole world; let no one threaten. This is the night of the Most Gentle One; let no one be proud.

Now is the day of joy; let us not revenge. Now is the day of Good Will; let us not be mean. In this Day of Peace; let us not be conquered by anger.

Today the Bountiful impoverished Himself for our sake; so, rich one, invite the poor to your table. Today we receive a Gift for which we did not ask; let us give alms to those who implore and beg us. This present Day cast open the heavenly doors to our prayer; let us open our door to those who ask our forgiveness.

Today the Divine Being took upon Himself the seal of our humanity, in order for humanity to be decorated by the Seal of Divinity" (Saint Isaac the Syrian).

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

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With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia,

The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+Father George