Friday, December 31st, 2010
by Asbarez
Christmas: A Time For Gratitude And Thanks
Once again we find ourselves at the threshold of a new year and
preparing to celebrate the Glorious Birth and Theophany of our Lord
Jesus Christ. What better way to begin the season than to take a
moment and contemplate with gratitude all that Almighty God has
granted us, and reflect on the truly profound meaning of the `Great
and Marvelous Mystery’, the Birth of our Savior.
Sadly, it seems at times that the true and beautiful meaning of
Christmas has been lost. It is not trees, lights, decorations, and
gifts; it is a time of remembering, loving, giving, and forgiving. In
that humble manger in Bethlehem centuries ago, a child was born unto
us, a child Who restored the relationship between God and man and gave
us new life. `And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we
beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,
full of grace and truth’ (John 1:14). When Jesus was born, God became
man and dwelt among us to seek and save us, to set us free, and to
lead mankind back to the path of righteousness.
During this season and always, let us give gratitude and thanks for
the real message of Jesus Christ’s Birth, let us glorify God for His
indescribable gift, and strive to foster the Christmas message of
peace, love, and harmony.
The Birth of our Savior is first and foremost the ultimate expression
of God’s love for us. `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). God loved the world so much that
He gave us the perfect gift; He gave us salvation and life through His
Son Jesus Christ.
`Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin
shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel’
(Isaiah 7:14). With the Birth of Christ, the prophecies and promises
of the Old Testament were fulfilled, giving us everlasting hope for
eternal life. We are granted hope for a life on earth filled with the
Lord’s abundant blessings, and hope of entering the heavenly kingdom
of our Lord through His Son, Jesus Christ.
`Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy
which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the
city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord’ (Luke 2:10-11). The
world rejoiced at the Birth of Jesus Christ for the Savior had come,
bringing great tidings of love, peace, and goodwill to mankind, and
light to a darkened world. The love and grace of God shown to the
world in the Birth of Jesus Christ brought great joy to the world, not
temporary but rather everlasting joy that continues to resonate in our
lives today.
Finally, and most importantly, by the grace of God and through the
Birth of Baby Jesus, we have been pardoned, and that is more than
enough reason to be thankful and have an attitude of gratitude.
With these thoughts in mind, let us reflect on the truly marvelous
gift bestowed to mankind by our Lord and give our gift of gratitude by
welcoming Him in our hearts and living God-pleasing lives. Let us
reach out to others and give of ourselves to the less fortunate as He
reaches out to us. And let us forgive one another as He forgave and
forgives us.
It is interesting and significant that God’s mercy appeared in the
form of a child rather than appearing in power and majesty. He came as
a baby and reminds us to receive Him as little children. During His
earthly ministry, Jesus showed extraordinary love for children and on
many occasions extolled the virtues of children to His apostles.
`Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as
little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven’
(Matthew 18:3). He saw something in children that adults must strive
for in order to enter the kingdom of heaven, and thus He invites us to
become like little children; to emulate the innocence, simplicity,
trust, purity, dependence, faith, and goodness of little children.
Children wholly trust their parents; they trust that their parents
know what is good for them, that they will not lead them astray, and
thus they hold their hands and follow their lead. As a child does with
a parent, we must put our complete trust in our Savior, walk with Him,
and let ourselves be guided by Him. The Lord wants us all to become
His children, and for that we rejoice.
Dearly beloved,
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I has proclaimed 2011 as the `Year of the
Armenian Child’. What a wonderful opportunity for us to recognize and
adopt the virtues of humility, pure love, and pure trust that children
embody. Children are great examples of how we are to be with God,
therefore let us learn from them and become childlike in our worship
of our Lord so that we might inherit eternal life and enter the
kingdom of heaven. This proclamation by His Holiness is also an
important call and a reminder of our responsibilities and obligations
to our youth. Our children are the future of our church and our
nation; they are our future leaders. As such, we must spare no effort
in ensuring that they receive proper education and instruction at an
early age so that they develop into good adults with good character
and are ready and able to take the helms.
Dear faithful,
The past few years have been difficult ones for most people in all
parts of the world. However, no matter what situation we may find
ourselves in, let our circumstances not dictate our feelings of
gratitude for our Lord Almighty. May we always be mindful of just how
wondrous God’s love is, count our blessings, and give thanks not only
during Christmastime or in times of good, but each and every day of
our lives. May we `rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in
everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus
for you'(1 Thessalonians 5:16).
On this blessed occasion, with filial love we extend our felicitations
to our Pontiff His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, praying for the Lord to
grant him many years of good health and prosperity as he guides our
church and people. We convey our well wishes to the leadership and
brethren of our homeland, our Clergy, Religious and Executive
Councils, Delegates, Boards of Trustees, Board of Regents, Principals,
educators, organizations, and our faithful parishioners, praying for
the Lord’s blessings, love, and mercy to be upon us all throughout the
new year.
With these sentiments, we joyously proclaim `Glory to God in the
highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’ (Luke 2:14).
Happy New Year
Christ is Born and Revealed
Blessed is the Revelation of Christ
Prayerfully,
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian
Prelate, Western United States
From: A. Papazian