Reflections on the Nativity Season

'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