Day 15
Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it. (Mark 10:15)
In Chapter 6 we take a look at some of the hymns from the Forefeast of the Nativity of Christ. Archimandrite Vassilios begins this chapter referring to a comment he observed during a debate about the meaning of Christmas. This comment was that "Christmas is a feast for children." When we think about Christmas, especially how it is "sold" to us through commercials, ads and more, it can be easy to see how a person might feel this way.
Archimandrite Vassilios points out that there is always speculation about the meaning of Christmas "in a society that is persistently trying to shake off its Christian identity". Wow, that is a really powerful statement, especially in light of this past year. Look at all the things we have seen (or better yet, endured) over this year: Senseless killings, rioting, protests, election turmoil, vile hatred and a global pandemic. It has certainly been a trying year. All you have to do is spend a little time on social media to get a taste of all of these things. Sadly, the one thing that seems to be lost in all of this is the reality of Jesus Christ.
Archimandrite Vassilios goes on to say that he found himself agreeing with the comment he heard. Why? Simply put, because of the scripture passage above. He goes on to list three childlike characteristics that we need to truly understand this coming Feast and the salvation that is offered: Wonder (or innocent joy), trust and humility. If we look at society today, and all the things that are taking place, it is difficult to see these three things anywhere.
- Where is our sense of wonder and joy? It has been replaced with cynicism and anger. Civil discourse is lost. Even family members are unable to speak to one another. No longer do we look at the world with wonder. The beauty of the first snowfall, the magic of flowers in spring. Instead we find ourselves angry, bitter and divided.
- Where is our sense of trust? We no longer trust those in authority. We do not trust those whose opinion differs from ours. Most notably, many have lost their trust in God, the trust that GOD IS WITH US! If God is truly with us, then who can stand against us? Without trust, we stand divided.
- Where is our sense of humility. Maybe more than anything, this is the most sad. Society has long taught us that humility is for the weak. But over this past year, we have seen example after example of what a lack of humility can do. How it taints our conversations and our decisions. How it overshadows the truth of God and salvation. Instead, pride has become the banner that is waved and pride has separated us.
There is one constant theme we can see above: division. From man's creation in the garden of Eden until now, the evil one has done everything possible to divide us. First, from God, then from each other. The more we are divided, the weaker we are. The weaker we are, the easier it is for us to give in to temptation.
If we are to truly celebrate the Nativity of Christ, it is vital that we find a way to recapture these qualities that have been corrupted and passed over by society. We need to find a way to close the divisions between us. And that way is through the birth of that infant child in Bethlehem, the Son of the Living God, Jesus Christ. It is through Him that we come together, it is through Him that we regain our sense of wonder, trust and humility. It is through Him that salvation is possible.
The Virgin today gives birth to the highest Being, and the earth provides the inaccessible one with a cave. The angels with the shepherds glorify Him; the Wise Men journey with the star, because for our sake is born a little Child, the Pre-Eternal God. (Kondak of the Nativity)
In Christ
Fr. David