Dear Friends,
Some time ago, several families in the parish approached and asked me for some direction in how to prepare their children (and themselves) for Christmas.
After some prayer, a preparation program was developed. It was inspired partly by the Kondak written by St. Romanos:
"Today the Virgin gives birth to the transcendent One,
And the earth offers a cave to the unapproachable One;
Angles with shepherds glorify Him!
The wise men journey with the star,
Since, for our sake the eternal God was born as a little child!"
And this program was also inspired by the message of the Icon of the Nativity.
A large icon was created for this program. The backround of the cave was painted without the figures. They were painted separately. And on the Sundays before Christmas a figure or two were placed on the icon, and a special sermon was preached.
Below is a reprint that was included in the Sunday bulletin, explaining the program.
Even though the time of the Christmas Fast is difficult to keep in our day. Some type of preparation should be done, so that everyone will know that "GOD Is With Us."
I share this with the hope that it might be helpful for some.
Peace.
From the parish bulletin:
"Over the coming weeks, the children of our parish will be preparing for Christmas in a very special way.
Our preparation activity will focus our attention, on the message that is contained within the icon of Christmas, the Icon of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ. As the figures of the Christmas story are placed on the Icon, week after week, we will see the story of Christmas unfold before our eyes, and discover that each figure is performing the same action - the act of giving.
God is giving His Son. The earth is giving a cave. The star is giving light. The angels are giving songs of praise. The shepherds are giving their wonderment and awe. The three kings are giving presents. The animals are giving warmth to keep the Christ Child warm. The midwives are giving Jesus a bath. Joseph gives his faithfulness, despite the doubts in his mind concerning the miracle of Christ's birth.
Mary, who offered herself to God, conceived of the Holy Spirit, and gave birth to the Son of God, continues in her self giving. The centrality of Mary's position in the icon, reminds us, that just as she gave her self to God, so too, we are called give ourselves to God, so that His healing touch of love can work through us, to reach many people. Then the world will hear the Good News of Christmas: GOD IS WITH US.
