“Preparing the Way of the Lord” Yesterday the Church began the forty day period of preparation for Christmas. This is not only a time of fasting, but also a time in which the prayers and hymns of the Church remind us that the coming of Jesus Christ was the result of a long period of preparation in which God prepared the people of Israel to receive His Son. One central theme of this period is how the Nativity of Jesus Christ fulfills the Old Testament prophecies about the birth of the Messiah. It does this not only to remind us about historical events, but also invites us to identify ourselves with those to whom God spoke in those events. We too are invited to respond to God – today. “Behold, the time of our salvation has drawn near. O cave, make ready! The Virgin is drawing near to give birth. O Bethlehem, land of Judah, be glad and rejoice, for from you our Lord has dawned. Listen mountains and hills, and lands around Judea, for Christ is coming to save man whom He fashioned, since He loves mankind.” (Vespers of the Forefeast, 20 December) -from Evangelion, A Bulletin of Orthodox Christian Faith
Posted on: Sat, 15 Nov 2014 22:00:18 +0000
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