Why Did Jesus Come to Earth? (12-23-2018)

   If someone asked you, “Why do you believe in Jesus?” what would you say? Before you answer, you might want to ask this person, “What do you mean by ‘believe’?” and “Who do you understand Jesus to be?” Because, after all, we can believe in anyone. For example, a coach can believe in his/her players—that they can win if they really put forth a valiant effort. Parents can believe in their children, that they can grow up to fulfill their dreams. Or, I can believe that the Vikings can defeat the Lions in this afternoon’s football game and eventually make the playoffs.

   What I’m getting at is belief can mean different things in different contexts. Likewise, defining who Jesus is can vary widely from one person to the next. But the question is very important. During their journey in Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do men say that I am?” (Mt.16:13). They answered, “some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets” (v.14). Then, Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” (v.15). Thus, the next time someone asks, “Do you believe in Jesus?” or “Why do you believe in Jesus?” think of Jesus asking you, “Who do you say that I am?” What is your answer?

   Today’s Gospel reading from the Sunday before the Lord’s Nativity, Matthew 1:1-25 is a helpful start. For in this passage we learn through the angel of the Lord, whom according to tradition in the Archangel Gabriel, told Joseph that the child in the womb of Mary is conceived from the Holy Spirit (v.20) and His name will be Jesus (v.21). Furthermore, Gabriel tells Joseph that this baby Jesus is a fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy (7:14), calling Him Emmanuel, meaning ‘God is with us’ (v.23). This is why the Apostle Peter answers Jesus’s question, “Who do you say that I am?” with “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Mt.16:16). Of course, this is all reiterated for us in the Nicene Constantinopolitan Creed that we confess in each and every Divine Liturgy. This tells us that knowing who Christ is and where He came from is the absolute foundational bedrock of our Faith.

   The next question who might encounter is: why did this only-begotten Son of God, become incarnate from a Virgin, to be born Jesus Christ? In other words, why did Jesus come to earth? After all that is the word ‘advent’ means, ‘coming, arrival, or appearance.’ Again, in today’s gospel, Archangel Gabriel says that the baby’s name will be Jesus “because He will save His people from their sins” (Mt.1:21). The name ‘Jesus’ literally means “God saves.” How does Jesus save us from sin? Some might say because Jesus was a very wise and profound teacher telling people how to live a righteous life and avoid sin? For some people, that’s where it stops. They believe Jesus was just a great teacher, that’s it, no more. Others believe that Jesus was a great prophet sent by God but that’s it, no more.

   However, throughout the centuries before Jesus, God had already sent many great teachers, prophets, judges (like we heard about in Vespers last evening in Deuteronomy 1:8-17), and even kings. They must not have been able to accomplish what was necessary to save people from their sins. Or more correctly, they were preparing God’s chosen people, the Israelites, to receive someone who could. After all, that is the purpose of last Sunday’s commemoration of the Forefathers of Christ and this Sunday’s commemoration of the Genealogy of Christ, to remember all those who came before Christ leading right up to the Forerunner John the Baptist who said, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight” (Mt.3:3, Mk.1:3, Lk.3:4).

   Yes, eternal Word and only-begotten Son of God, would receive flesh from the Virgin Mary to become the God-Man. His divine nature would recreate, sanctify and bless every aspect of human nature and experience, even death itself. Jesus Christ united Himself to us to save us from sin and death. Now, we are united to Him beginning in baptism and chrismation, and continuing in regular reception of the Eucharist—His body and blood.

   To understand better why Jesus came, let’s listen to the words of Christ Himself.

   First, in describing Himself as the Good Shepherd, Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

   Second, in the home of Zacchaeus the Tax Collector, Jesus says, “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).

   Third, when at Matthew the Tax Collector’s home, Jesus says, “For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance” (Mt.9:13).

   Fourth, after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, Jesus said, I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. (John 12:46)

   Fifth, immediately after this Jesus tells His disciples, And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. (John 12:47).

   Sixth, after the mother of James and John asks for her sons to be seated in high places with Jesus, causing a stir amongst the rest of the disciples, Jesus told them, “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mt.20:28).

   Seventh, in predicting His death on the Cross, Jesus says, “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour” (John 12:27).

   Eighth, in His sermon on the Mount, Jesus says, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill” (Mt.5:17).

   As we conclude today, we remember that Jesus gave many other reasons for His coming, so this is only a partial list due to limitations of time today. We must personalize these reasons for the Advent of Jesus. He came so that I might have abundant life; to find and save me who was lost; to call me a sinner to repentance; to bring light to my darkness; to give Himself as ransom for me who was held captive by sin and death. We must remember that there is another Advent, the Second Coming of Christ, to judge the living and the dead and establish is everlasting Kingdom. Are we prepared for Jesus’ first Advent that we will celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? Will we be here to greet the baby Jesus who comes to save us from sin and death? Are we looking forward to Jesus second Advent, preparing to give an account of our life before His awesome Judgment Seat that is represented for us in the Synthronon behind the Holy Altar Table. Participating in the ongoing liturgical life of the Church, especially receiving the Holy Eucharsit, is at the heart of this preparation. It is the preseason, regular season and playoffs for the Superbowl of Salvation. See you there!

ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

 Rev. Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews, Presbyter

1111 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105, (651) 222-6220, www.stgeorgegoc.org

December 30, 2018                                                                              SUNDAY AFTER NATIVITY

Epistle Reader: Stephen Kanavati                                 Prosfora: Theologia Pitsavas

Fellowship: Vicky & Soule Paraschou family                   Head Greeters: Bob Baffa, Yodahe Gamada

Monday       12-31     New Year’s Eve Hafli at St. George Antiochian in West St. Paul                  9:00PM

Tuesday      01-01     ORTHROS (9:00am) &LITURGY – ST. BASIL & CIRCUMCISION OF LORD 10:00AM

                                  Office closed

Friday          01-04     ROYAL HOURS OF THEOPHANY                                                              9:00AM

Saturday     01-05     ORTHROS (9:00am) &DIVINE LITURGY – EVE OF THEOPHANY                10:00AM

                                   AGIASMOS – HOLY WATER BLESSING                                                    11:30AM

                                  BLESSNG OF WATERS at Hidden Falls Park, St. Paul                                1:00PM

                                  VESPERS                                                                                                5:00PM

Sunday        01-06     ORTHROS (8:15am) &DIVINE LITURGY – THEOPHANY                             9:30AM

                                   Blessing of Water                                                                                  11:00AM

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Office Closed Notice: the parish office will be closed Tuesday, January 1 for the New Year’s Day holiday.

Stewardship Update: we need to raise $25,679 before Dec.31^st to fulfill our 2018 stewardship commitments. This will help us avoid drawing from our savings and investments to support our ministries and programs. Please give generously as God has blessed you. 2019 pledge cards, brochure and letters were mailed recently. Our theme is All things are possible to the one who believes in Christ” (Mark 9:23). Thanks for your support!

Christmas Memorials Correction: regrettably, the following names were omitted from the Christmas Flower Memorial listing: Anastasios & Sophia Beniares, George & Anna Antoniou, George Beniares, Gust Kitsos.

Think About It: You cannot do anything about the length of your life, but you can do something about its width and depth.                       H.L. Mencken

Roselawn Cemetery Lots: There is still time to get 15% discount off 2018 list prices. Discounted prices are: $6,120.00 for a Monument Lot (2 graves); $3,655.00 for a Flat Lot A (2 graves); $2,125.00 for a Flat Lot B (1 grave). 2019 prices are: $6,120 for a Monument Lot (2 graves); $3,825 for a Flat Lot A (2 graves); $2,167.50 for a Flat Lot B (1 grave). Single graves have limited availability. Contact church today!

Blessing of Waters: Please mark your calendars for the third annual Pan-Orthodox Theophany Blessing of the Waters service on Saturday January 5^th at 1pm, at Hidden Falls Regional Park on Mississippi River, 1313 Hidden Falls Drive, St Paul, MN 55116.

Exterior Restoration- Brick, block and tuckpointing have been completed. Cost of project is $118,647. We have raised over $71,755 from our parishioners and friends. Please join us in this important work. Thank you!

Youth Minister Position Open: applications are now being accepted for this part time position. To apply, email a resume, cover letter and two references to Fr. Rick at fatherrick@stgeorgegoc.org.

New Sunday School Director! Thank you to Miss Aida Abebe for graciously volunteering to lead our religious education program, working with our current teachers: Lerah McCullough (PreK), Carol Alexis (K-1), Lama Ghazi (2-3), Stephen Kanavati (4-5-6), Anastasia Mastrogiorgis (7-9) and Nick Kanavati & Vicky Paraschou (10-12). Please support Aida and the teachers by frequently bringing your children to liturgy and Sunday school.

Patristic Wisdom: Panagia prays and intercedes for all people, but especially for the humble. Let us ask her to grant us a portion of her beautiful humility. When we do, then—even if we find ourselves in an economic crisis, unemployment, illness, or in any other difficulty—we will have patience, hope, consolation and optimism.      Blessed Monk Moses

New Youth Advisors: Several youth advisors have volunteered for various age groups to organize events and work with parents and children to increase participation. GOYA Anastasia Mastrogiorgis and Phyllis Kapetanakis will lead junior high and high school (7-12 grades). JOY Maria Paraschou and Katherine Cabieses will lead elementary ages (K-6 grades). HOPE: Lerah McCullough and Joanna Tzenis will lead preschool ages.

Intro to Orthodoxy- the cooperative catechism program of classes begins January 14^th and will continue on Monday evenings 7-9pm for twelve weeks. This is an excellent opportunity to refresh the knowledge of our Orthodox Christian Faith. Classes are open to everyone but required for those planning to convert. For more info and to register online, visit www.meocca.org.

Church Fathers Speak: The all-merciful God desires happiness for us, both in this life and in the life to come. To this end, He established His Holy Church, so that we might be cleansed from sin, sanctified, reconciled with God and receive heavenly blessings. The embrace of the Church is always open to us. Let us all hasten there more quickly, especially when our consciences are burdened. The Church will lift the weight of our burdens, give us boldness before God, and fill our hearts with happiness and blessedness.      St. Nectarios of Aegina (+1920)

Basketball Practices: Sundays, Jan 6-Feb 3 from 12:30-2:30pm at Saint Paul Academy lower school, 1150 Goodrich Ave. Coaches: GOYA Boys- Milam Paraschou & George Mastrogiorgis, JOY Coed- Elena Condos, Women- Anastasia Mastrogiorgis, Men- Luke Simon. Contact Milam or George with questions. All family participants are encouraged to register for the tournament and book hotels as soon as possible. We look forward to another great family basketball tournament in Milwaukee, WI on the weekend of February 8-10.

2019 Basketball Tourney: hosted by Annunciation Church, Milwaukee, February 8-10. Early team registration for Men, Women, Boys, Girls & JOY teams is $300 until Dec 15; $400 afterwards. For Player Registration, click here. Meal registration is separate click here.: Early Bird Weekend Package is $90/adult, $55/child until Jan 14; afterwards $110/adult, $60/child until Jan 28. Rooms $119/night at the Brookfield Hotel, 375 South Moorland Rd, Brookfield, WI 53005, 262-364-1100 or here. Questions? Email 2019greekbball@gmail.com.

Wisdom from the Fathers: If one does not start sacrificing something now, like giving up some desire or selfishness, how will he ever be able to sacrifice his life at a given time? If, even now, he thinks of the labor, and avoids working a little harder than the next person, how will he ever attain the state of risking his own life to save another’s?...When there is no spirit of sacrifice, everyone looks only to save himself.                                                                                                                 St. Paisios the Athonite (+1994)

Things Sound Different- yes, that’s right, the Sunday liturgy is sounding a bit different the last few months. That’s because the choir is using minor mode from the Cherubic Hymn through the Epiklesis/Consecration. Although this is new to our community, it is not innovative or novel in the Tradition. Many Greek Orthodox churches throughout the United States and the world do this. Minor mode conveys a mystical and penitential quality that is so important to our Orthodox Christian phronema (mindset). Fr. Rick has encouraged this addition to the choir’s repertoire for many years. Recently, they accepted the challenge and are working hard to execute it better each and every Sunday. Please support them and seek to understand what minor mode is all about.

Metropolis Clergy Laity: the Twin Cities has been chosen to host the next Metropolis Clergy Laity September 25-29, 2019. The St. George and St. Mary Church communities will co-host. Stay tuned for more details!

Welcome Visitors Thank you for joining with us in prayer and fellowship. The worship of the Orthodox Church is deeply rooted in and very similar to that of the early Christian Church. Unique sensory stimuli and mystery are elements that go back even to the liturgy of the Jewish temple. Everything in an Orthodox Christian church communicates the majestic presence of God the Holy Trinity with His Saints. It is literally heaven on earth. It is a sad consequence of the divisions in Christianity that we cannot extend a general invitation to receive Holy Communion. Visitors are invited to receive the blessed bread (antithoron) at the conclusion of the liturgy. We pray and work for the reconciliation and unity of all Christians. If you are interested in learning more about Orthodoxy, please contact Fr. Rick at fatherrick@stgeorgegoc.org. We are proud of our Greek heritage, but one does not have to be of Greek descent, nor speak Greek to be a Greek Orthodox Christian.

Note to Orthodox about Holy Communion: Receiving the Body and Blood of Christ is one of the most Holy experiences for a Christian in order to be granted the forgiveness of sins and everlasting life. We are never worthy to partake of Divine Nature. Yet, it is essential that we prepare ourselves for this sacred Communion by constant prayer, reading the Scriptures, regular fasting and periodic Confession. At a minimum, we should fast all morning before Communion, arrive at the beginning of Liturgy, and come for Confession at least once a year. In addition, we should not have separated ourselves from the Church through serious sin. Otherwise, please refrain from Communion to avoid “judgment…not discerning the Lord’s body” (1Cor. 11:29). Contact Fr. Rick for pastoral guidance. 

Glad Tidings deadline: The 10th of each month. Glad Tidings email: gladtidings@stgeorgegoc.org  Sunday Bulletin Deadline: Wednesday Noon each week.  Email: office@stgeorgegoc.org