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Sunday before Christmas 2007 Who will disagree, that so many opportunities come before us; and also, how many of these opportunities are lost? Which is the person, who at some point of one's life desires to make a new start? Who is the one, that desires the forgetting of some unpleasant circumstance, and strongly wants to make a new beginning? St. Paul, whose life is a complete inspiration, describes in Philippians 3:13-14, what I just mentioned, regarding his personal life. He says: "One thing I do. Forgetting what is behind, and straining for what is ahead, I press on toward the goal, to win the prize, for which God has called me heavenward, in Christ Jesus." How applicable are St. Paul's words; especially now, that we are on the portals of Christmas. He tells us with certainty, that we must abandon our former life; that is, if it is not in conformity with God's word, so that we could free ourselves from the bondage, which keeps us earthbound. To free ourselves from the shackles of sin, and to focus on the higher ideals, which we have neglected, and strive to give them substance, so that our life can be enlightened. That is the spirit of Christmas. To make everything new in our life, so that we can become, as we all desire, --- uplifted and enlightened Christians. We have to free ourselves from the onslaught of the commercialization of Christmas. Christmas must be revived, to become for all Christians, another major opportunity for spiritual renewal. Just the thought of God's love for the fallen race, that He sent His only begotten Son to atone for all humankind's sins, is overwhelming and overpowering! If only people would give this sufficient thought, they would realize how far they have been swept unconsciously in the secular current, but most assuredly without their volition. In today's materialistic society humankind has permitted itself to be earthbound, and I may say exists almost automatically, without noble and uplifting ideals. As a result, life for those people is hollow, and I would say vain. However, we will hear these same people repeat, that society has degenerated, and how so many have literally disgraced themselves, existing so distantly from our Lord's saving commandments. But, to all this, one would question, if we personally are included in this situation? Do we consider ourselves as cooperators in this condition? It wouldn't be wrong to say, that so many people are like the proverbial ostrich, that buries its head in the sand, so that it supposedly would avoid danger. The truth is though, that while people are baptized Christians, they literally are distant from the goal of Christianity. One of the greatest psychological therapies I think, is self examination. How could anyone ascertain the number of people, who at the end of the day would question themselves, regarding their day's experience? To recount, if they were positive or negative to their family, friends and fellow workers, and to mentally promise themselves, that the next day they would conform to what is proper. It would be so therapeutic for anyone, to take time to consider, in moments of complete isolation, in some quiet corner of the house. In this self-examination, we must question ourselves as to our attitude toward our Family and Fellow workers. Did we lie? Did we cheat? Were we responsible for some injustice? Did we gossip or slander? Did we in any way promote some harm to others, etc. If guilty, we would promise to rectify. As Christians though, we focus on the positive. We can ask ourselves, what good did we do today, of which we can be proud? Did we console someone who needed consolation? Did we, within our power help or assist anyone, who was in need? Did we participate in any common philanthropic causes etc., which all are positive acts, and which ameliorate our group, which in turn helps in uplifting society. Life is not measured by the years lived, but by the work we have accomplished. We must measure time with our heartbeats, which should beat for God, and of course our fellow humans. When we live according to this measure, life will have a true and fulfilling meaning, and we will feel, that we have a mission and destiny in life. As I mentioned, another great opportunity for spiritual regeneration is before us. It is up to each one to grasp this opportunity. Our Lord Jesus wants us to be sterling in character. Do not lose this opportunity, which St. Paul emphasizes in 2nd Corinthians, Chapter 6, verse 2: "Now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation." If we would digest the fullness of these words, we surely would sense a special blessing in our life. How greatly these words are needed in our troubled society. "Now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation." What a great need it is for society to replace the evils, such as hate and slander with Christian love! I am often appalled, when I see Christians thinking that they reconcile their life with Christianity. They take pride in saying that they are good Christians, when at the same time they are guilty of so many evils and hate for the fellow Humans. These people forget what our Lord taught. He said, that if you proceed toward the Temple to offer your gift at the Sanctuary, and remember, that you are at odds with your brother, leave your gift at the Sanctuary, go and seek out your brother and make amends with him. Then return to the Temple and offer your gift, which will be accepted. When you think of it, there are so few things that are as catastrophic as hate. The person who has hate in his or her heart, has to be amongst the most unhappy, unfulfilled and miserable people, because, wanting to take revenge on the person hated, he or she automatically poisons self. Therefore, at this sacred time, when the Prince of Peace is to come amongst us, let us seek, to more intensely conform to our Lord's Commandments. Let us strive to become masters over ourselves. Let us emerge from the labyrinth of darkness, and emerge under the bright and saving light of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. One of the many Matins hymns states: "Christ is born, glorify Him." This we believe and will strive to be worthy enough to even repeat that awesome phrase. Amen. +Fr. George Papadeas
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