Message of Fr. Vazken Movsesian, parish priest of St. Andrew Armenian Church, Cupertino, from the Nakhagoch Newsletter. Electronic version archived on: SAIN-- St. Andrew Information Network -------------------------------------- c. 1986 Fr. Vazken Movsesian Address comments to: dervaz@sain.org -------------------------------------- December 1987 PASTOR'S MESSAGE AN EGGHEAD CHRISTMAS MESSAGE "We wish you an egghead Christmas and a software New Year," sang the choir in the latest commercial for the Egghead Software store. It's here! The Christmas season is here! In fact it came just a bit earlier this year--before Halloween. (Keep reading, I am not about to suggest anything as un-American as a boycott of the Christmas shopping season.) The retail economy depends on it. It's interesting, both our spiritual as well as physical existence depend on the birth of Jesus Christ--Christmas. Furthermore, it's awkward. The world is ready to greet Christmas on December 25 and we, members of an ancient Christian church are one of the few churches that do not celebrate the 25th but rather January 6 as Christmas. Primarily, it has to do with the Winter Solstice. On that day, near December 25, pagans would celebrate the birth of the sun, i.e., the days get longer after this astronomical event. In the Roman Empire, during the 4th century, Christmas was moved from January 6 to December 25 to do away with the pagan festival. There was no need to change the date in Armenia, hence Theophany remained on January 6. {Theophany means "Revelation of God," which includes His revelation at the birth, at the visit of the Maji and at the Baptism.} Of course the date is not as important as is the message. God has been revealed. God reveals Himself to man as man. This very essential revelation for the Christian can be and must be experienced everyday, and not only on December 25 or January 6. God is revealed, is born, not in some manger but within us, within our lives, in our actions. As we act God is revealed. Through our love God is seen. Love involves sacrifice, that is giving. Out of love God gave and thereby sacrificed His Only Son for us. In recognition of this sacrifice, the Christmas season is a time where we can boldly proclaim our giving attitude. It is a time when we should keep before us God's priceless sacrifice as an example for our giving. In reality however, Christmas is a time of giving, but we place a limit upon it--a price tag. All too often we measure our gifts. We give to those from whom we expect. We give out of obligation. We give gifts, sometimes expensive, but rarely needed. The truly precious gifts are like the gift God gave. They are given out of love, without expecting in return and are truly needed. Since commercials do not hesitate to make "gift suggestions," allow me to make a few myself: 1) Buy something new to give to the Salvation Army; 2) Lend an ear to someone who needs to talk; 3) Spend time with someone who is lonely; 4) Call the Rescue mission, ask how you can help, and help; 5) Spend an entire day, uninterupted, with your family; 6) Buy a new toy and give it to a child at the battered children's center; 7) Ask a street person out to lunch or dinner; 8) Explain and show (with actions) the true meaning of Christmas to your children. No, these aren't popular gifts. They are perhaps the hardest gifts to give. However, you can be sure they fit, are needed and will certainly bring joy to you and the receiver, just as God's gift was tough to give but very needed. Christmas is nothing more than this. It is a time of giving. When it is filled with love and giving, the Season becomes the happiest time of year. Of course as an Armenian Church we will celebrate Christmas on January 6, here at St. Andrew. But also recognizing we live in America, we will have a special Christmas eve worship on December 24. Dates are secondary. The message is the most important. With God's help and strength, let us greet the Christmas Season in the spirit with which it was intended. Please do not hesitate to call the Church for more suggestions and/or ways that you can make this a Holy Christmas. On behalf of Yeretzgin Susan, Varoujan and myself, we wish you a very Blessed and Holy Christmas Season. May the holiday and New Year be filled with love and unity for you and your families. "It's only the giving that makes you what you areÉ" (I.A.) --Fr. Vazken CHRISTMAS SONG Once in Royal David city Stood a lonely cattle shed Where a mother held her baby You'de do well to remember the things he later said When you're stuffing yourself at the Christmas party You'll just laugh when I tell you to take a running jump You're missing the point I'm sure does not need making The Christmas Spirit is not what you drink So how can you laugh when your own mother's hungry Or how can you smile when the reason's for smiling are wrong And if I've just messed-up your thoughtless pleasures Remember if you will This is just a Christmas Song --Ian Anderson -------------------------------------- c. 1986 Fr. Vazken Movsesian Address comments to: dervaz@sain.org --------------------------------------