December 25 / January 7, 2004

Every year at this time there is a festive feeling in the air as we see the homes brightly decorated, as we hear the sound of holiday music, and as we anticipate and attend various holiday celebrations. It seems that everyone is excited about the coming of Christmas. But sometimes we need to pause and ask ourselves what exactly it is about which everyone is in such a joyful state. Are we truly excited because the Eternal God chose to enter into our human existence and save us through becoming one of us? Or do we find ourselves excited by the lights and the presents and the parties? It is very easy to lose sight of the true meaning of this holiday. What we often forget, however, is that without Christ there is no holiday at all.
In all of our holiday excitement we sometimes lose sight of the fact that the true gift of Christmas is the gift of salvation. Christ was born into the world to save us from the bondage of sin, which had enveloped humanity. God could not bear to see His beloved creation perishing. We hear in the canon of matins for the Nativity, “When the Creator saw the one whom He had created with his own hands perishing, He lowered the heavens and came down…” It is this gift that each and every one of us has received that we celebrate today. This is why the world is bright and songs of joy echo through the skies. This is why we boldly proclaim “GOD IS WITH US” during the Divine Services.
This year, let us keep this fact in mind and let it guide our actions. As we prepare for and celebrate the Birth of Our Lord let us be filled with the love and forgiveness that he brought into the world. It is our duty to remind the world that Christ was not simply born in the far distant past, but that he continues to live and is born again today in each of our hearts. We do this by showing his love to those we meet. We do this by showing his forgiveness to those with whom we have been unforgiving. We do this by showing his care and compassion for those less fortunate. We do this by being reflections of his glory within our own lives, not just today but every day of our lives.
As the world celebrates the Nativity of Our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ this year, let it be reminded of all that is good and all that is right through the example set by his followers–each and every one of us.
May the peace and joy of this holy season touch all of your lives and may you experience God’s blessings throughout the New Year.
Bestowing my episcopal blessing upon you, God’s people, I remain
Sincerely in Christ,
+ Alexy, Bishop of Minneapolis and Chicago