Beloved in the Lord,

The Orthodox theologian Paul Evdokimov wrote, “We prove God’s existence by worshiping Him and not by advancing so-called proofs.” At the Great Feast of Christmas, each one of our churches become a symbolic Bethlehem, carrying us to the manger where we find the newborn child, Jesus. In our Vigil and Liturgy we will sing praises to the Almighty God as we hear the story of the Birth of our Savior. The news that Christ is born, once again, will fill us with joy and hope and we will take this message from our parishes to our homes and the world around us. That is the proof of our faith! This is how the Birth of Christ makes a difference in our salvation; that we are able to share with action this wondrous message from above. In the Holy Liturgy during our celebration of the Nativity of Our Lord, we will receive Christ the Lord as we sing the Communion Hymn that teaches us the purpose of the Incarnation: “The Lord sent redemption to His people.”

In this cynical age when various pundits regularly question the existence of God, what better response can we offer than filling our churches with hymns of praise? When the world around us makes Christmas all about searching for “the right gift”, what better response can we offer than sharing the Good News that the Savior is born? When we encounter those who sow seeds of division and relish in polarization, what better response can we offer that working even more diligently to strengthen the unity of the Body of Christ? Arguments will not change hardened hearts. Only our faith, our love for our neighbor, and our compassion can soften them.

In the Nativity of Christ, the Kingdom of God enters this world and we celebrate that “God is with us”. He came humbly, as an infant, reminding us that the Kingdom of God enters in places and ways that are not always dramatic or revolutionary, but rather quite ordinary. The Kingdom of God is at hand in the ordinary activities of our lives: in our homes, at our family gatherings, in our workplaces, in our neighborhoods. When we treat people with kindness, justice and compassion in our day-to-day activities, we bear witness to the Kingdom and grow closer to God. Saint Gregory the Theologian wrote, “God comes to live with human beings, that we may journey toward God” (Oration 38). Our journey to God begins with our journey to the symbolic Bethlehem, where we may meet the Savior, who “became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Then we can return to our daily lives filled with hope and begin to work to make all things new.

There is much work to be done. When we see the many sufferings of our neighbors, in the Alaska earthquake, the fires in California, as well as the ongoing injustices that continue to be perpetrated in our society, we must turn our minds and hearts to the Good News that the Savior is born and redemption has come to His people. We must ask ourselves how we will bear witness to the Kingdom of God in the face of these tragedies and the conditions of so many. Our first action should be prayer for those who suffer. Second, we can make charitable and philanthropic gifts to offer support. Third, speak the truth to those who are sitting in places of authority. Fourth, we can involve ourselves in the work of assisting those who have no voice and need help through our parishes and as responsible citizens of our country.

Beloved in the Lord, this Christmas Holiday is a new opportunity to go to our symbolic Bethlehem, see the newborn Christ, acknowledge Him as your Savior, and take His message of salvation into the world through your words and actions. Let us go to Bethlehem, the city of David, and meet Christ the Lord.

Beseeching the Blessings of our Almighty God upon you and your loved ones, I wish to all of you a Blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with the Joy and Grace of our Newborn Savior.
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With Love in Christ,
+ G E R A S I M O S
Metropolitan of San Francisco

'Tis the the season to be....busy! With all the hustle and bustle of the Advent Season, it is important for us, as Orthodox Christians, to pause and reflect upon what is truly important. Here are 10 suggestions to help prepare us for the Incarnation of our King, the Lord Jesus, this season!  

10 Suggestions to Help Us Prepare for the Feast of the Nativity  

1. Think of Others  This sounds redundant, but the Lord was thinking of us when He came down to earth. This is the season to remember others - especially those less fortunate than us - and to give in ways that alleviate their suffering through almsgiving and generosity. Be prepared to give, even to the sweet man in the Santa suit with the Salvation Army bell!
2. Attend Church on Time  In our busy world, it is easy to become slack in timeliness to places where it doesn’t “count.” Yet it does count! Few Orthodox Christians attend services beyond Sunday morning - it’s a shame to arrive late!! Make every effort to ‘seek first the Kingdom of God’ by being timely to church.
3. Attend Extra Church Services. You’re kidding, right? Wrong! There are beautiful mini-feasts along the way to Christmas that will help center us on the one thing needful. The Feast of St. Spyridon is a great example. Be a Eucharistically-Centered Christian!
4. Fast as Your Able. Fasting is important, but the purpose of fasting is more important! We are trying to ‘clip the strings for our propensity to sin’ (the passions) by fasting. Better to not judge than to fast from cheese!
5. Give up the Critical Spirit. It is very easy to fault find, but difficult to find the good in all situations. “Whatever is pure, let your mind dwell on these things…” (Phil. 4)
6. Live Within Our Means. In all things, we are called to be good stewards. Don’t overspend, and remember it is the thought that counts, not the price tag!
7. Listen to and Sing Christ-Centered Christmas Carols and Chants. There are many free sources of Christ-Centered music today. Allow the music to keep your heart focused on Christ and His Great Gift to us!
8. Charity Begins at Home. Remember your closest neighbors are your family members. Treat them with love and respect, and don’t allow Satan to interfere with the love that should flow in those relationships.
9. Decorate Our Homes with Christ in Mind. Your neighbors and friends are watching. Tastefully decorate your home in a way that witnesses to the Truth you hold in your Heart.
10. Hold Our Tongues. A sharp word can destroy. “The tongue is a small part of the body…consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark…can both fresh water and salt water come from the same spring?” (James 3)

Let us all thank our Holy Lord Jesus…who took on flesh for our sake and gives us eternal life…by becoming like Him in all we think, do and say this Advent Season!
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 With Love & Warm Wishes,
The Eikona Sisters