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11th Sunday in Luke December 16, 2007 Christmas is barely 9 days away. True, times have changed from the days of only two generations ago. Everything seems to be in opposition of the way we were used to. We, the old timers, can vividly recall the true spirit of Christmas, when all seemed and felt so spiritual. There was the exchange of gifts, only as tokens of the Great Day of the Greatest Gift that God has given us, with the supernatural Birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Everything felt so tranquil, and there was no doubt, that the focal point was the Birth of our Lord. The Christmas spirit reflected on the faces of all. The Radio, as also the T.V. even though it was in its initial stages, echoed all day and night with various Choirs singing the Christmas Carols, and show movies with definite Christmas themes. You could have been the most lukewarm or indifferent Christian, but the Christmas spirit got to your heart. In all neighborhoods we enjoyed the Christmas Carolers. Unfortunately, commercialism and secularism have really transformed our Great Day into a Pagan holiday. Being that the focus is on the gifts, especially for children, we are victimized, if we don't go along and give our children gifts, which we can ill afford, only because we hear them pleading: "That's all I want, and I'll be happy." And of course, we know how long this happiness lasts. Unfortunately also, for our families, is the peer pressure, that forces us to weaken and conform thinking that we don't risk giving our children an inferiority complex. Little by little the secularists and anti-religious have been successful in removing from all public places the Manger scenes, which once adorned all the municipal buildings. Our politicians do not resist and succumb, because it would cost them votes. The rampant interpretation, as regards to the first Amendment, of the enemies of religion, I'm sure is not in conformity with the spirit of our Forefathers, who gave us the Constitution. They were very careful to stress that the Government should not espouse a religion, which is all well and good. But, I am sure they did not exclude God from their decision making. The way things are going, the next objective of the secularists or atheists is to remove the motto from our currency, which are imprinted: "In God we trust." I'm surprised it hasn't become an issue yet. Also, I used to notice on bumper stickers: "Let's put Christ back into Christmas," and also "Christ is the reason for the season." There are about 200,000,000 Christians of all Denominations, and yet they have been put in a corner. It is truly so sad, especially for the believers. The great Religion leaders in our Country do not get together to form a common front to protect that which we have in common. This gives credence to a popular saying: "that a house divided against itself, cannot stand!" You may remember a couple of months ago when my teenage volunteer at St. Paul's in Hempstead in the early 50's drove from Ft. Myers to attend the Liturgy after not having seen me for so many years. Her name Helen Rogers. Last week she sent me the following letter: Dearest Father George: I thought of you when I read the following Email. Dear loved ones: As you well know, we are getting closer to my Birthday. Every Year there is a celebration in my honor, and I think that this year, and I think that this year the celebration will be repeated. During this time, there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many Radio announcements, TV commercials, and in every part of the world, everyone is talking that my Birthday is getting closer and closer. It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think of Me. As you know, the celebration of my Birthday began many years ago. At first, people seemed to understand, and be thankful of all that I did for them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for the celebration. Families and friends get together, and have a lot of fun, but they don't know the meaning of the celebration. Remember, that last year there was a great feast in my honor. The table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite, and there were many, many beautifully wrapped gifts. But, do you want to know something? I wasn't even invited. I was the Guest of honor, and they didn't remember to send me an invitation. The party was for Me, but when the great day came, I was left outside, -- they closed the door in my face, and truly I wanted to be with them and share at their table. In truth, that didn't surprise Me, because in the last few years, so many close their doors to Me. Since I wasn't invited, I decided to renter the party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner. They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk, and telling jokes and laughing at everything. They were having a great time. To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red, wearing a long whit bear entered the room yelling: "Ho-Ho-Ho!" He seemed drunk. He sat on the sofa and all the children ran to him saying: "Santa Claus, Santa Claus," as if the party was in his honor! At 12:00 midnight, all he people began to hug each other; I extended my arms waiting for someone to hug Me.... and do you know? No one hugged Me. Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them, one by one with great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe, there was one for Me. What would you feel, if on your Birthday everybody shared gifts and you did no get one?
Today especially, I want you to really believe this with all your mind and all your heart. Now, I want to share something with you. As many who didn't invite me to their party, I will have My own celebration. It will be a grandiose party, and more spectacular than anyone could imagine. I'm still making he final arrangements. Today, I am sending out many invitations, and there is an personal invitation for you. I want to know, if you wish to attend, and I will make a reservation for you, and write your name with golden letters in my great guest book. Only those, on the guest list will be invited. Those, who will not respond to My invitation will not be able to attend the Party. They simply will be left outside. So, be prepared; because, when all is ready, you will be part of my Great Party. I think that this letter kind of tells it all. Amen. +Fr. George Papadeas
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