Pastoral Message from the January Beacon
01/01/2019
Dear Parishioners of our Beloved Assumption,
Greetings in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
The Nativity of the Lord has now passed and we await His Presentation to the Temple and reception by the Righteous Symeon. Although we are moving away from what many term the “season of giving,” it is important that we, as followers of Christ, fight to keep within us the spirit of the “cheerful giver.” (2 Cor. 9:7). Wouldn’t it be nice if the feeling of Christmas was in our hearts every day of the year?
As Orthodox Christians, we understand that evangelism is not purely a function of preaching with our mouths, but also preaching with our actions. It is through our love that we bring people to Christ. St. Paul tells us that those to whom we are philanthropic “will give glory to God for the obedience which you show in professing the gospel of Christ.“ (2 Cor. 9:13) When we profess to something it means that we own it—in other words, we are not just talking the talk but walking the walk.
As we enter the new year, let us:
- be cheerful givers to all of creation,
- offer our time and talent to Christ’s Holy Church and to His people,
- be a beacon of righteousness to all who know us,
- not leave behind the spirit of Christmas and the peace that comes along with it,
- set aside our worldly cares that we may receive the King of All!
Yes, it is possible to have the peace in our hearts that Christmas brings each and every day of the year!!!
Wishing you a Blessed and Prosperous New Calendar Year, I remain,
In His Service,
Rev. Father Jon Boukis
Proistamenos
“Attract, Serve, Illuminate”