Day: December 18, 2023
Categories
NPR News: 12-18-2023 7PM EST
Armenian nativity scene (Flickr)
Christmas is the celebration of God’s revelation of Himself in and through Jesus Christ. God reveals Himself in many ways—in historical events, in nature, through the Bible, through persons and supremely through Jesus Christ.
God’s revelation through Jesus Christ is called Incarnation. Incarnation tells us the truth about God. It tells us about His intervention in human affairs. It tells us about His true nature, about His self-giving love. It tells us that God came into this sin-filled world out of love in order to save it.
Incarnation also tells us the truth about human nature. It tells us that mankind has violated God’s will and has alienated itself from Him. God, however, wants to reconcile humanity, to restore the broken relationship and bring His sinful children to Him.
Christmas is the celebration of God’s presence with us here and now. Centuries ago, God told the prophet Isaiah that a baby was going to be born whose name would be called Immanuel, which means “God with us” (Isaiah 7:4).
One of the central affirmations of Christmas is that in Jesus Christ we see the love of God for humankind made flesh. In the fullness of time—God’s most opportune time—He intercepted human history with the gift of a Savior to redeem a world that had lost touch with its Creator.
In Jesus Christ we have come to know who God is. He indeed is Immanuel—God with us. Not a remote God beyond space and time, but God within us, among us, a deity that binds us to Himself and to one another.
The greatest news that Christmas imparts is that the God who came to mankind in the babe of Bethlehem two thousand years ago can come to us today if we make room for Him in our lives.
In the nativity story of Jesus, Luke tells us why it was necessary for him to be born in a manger. It was because there was no room for the Holy Family in the inn (Luke 2:7). And the most obvious reason why there was no room for Jesus was because the inn was occupied to capacity. One wonders whether the innkeeper could have done some rearrangement in order to accommodate the Holy Family. Most probably he would, had he recognized the significance of the occasion.
An existential question that arises in one’s mind is: If there was no room for Christ two thousand years ago, is there any room for him today? It appears that some people are so preoccupied with so many worldly cares that there isn’t room for anything else, not even for Christ.
Having room for Christ involves some rearranging of life. His very presence requires some commitments and changes.
Those who have made room for Christ in their lives are those for whom Christ is Immanuel (“God with us”). They have experienced the true joy of Christmas.
The advent of Christ into the world is not limited by time. Mary and Joseph held him in their arms. We can hold him in our hearts. If and when we do that, then our Christmas celebration will truly be a joyous one.
Christ is born and revealed
Tidings of joy unto you and unto us.
Author information
Rev. Dr. Vahan Tootikian
Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian is the Executive Director of the Armenian Evangelical World Council.
|
The post Christmas and Making Room for Christ appeared first on The Armenian Weekly.
Armenia and Azerbaijan Conclude the Year With Hopeful Prospects for Peace – Jamestown The Jamestown Foundation
Categories
In Memory of Anahid Najarian
Anahid Najarian
Anahid Najarian of Watertown died peacefully in her sleep on December 14, 2023.
Born in Aleppo, Syria, she was the daughter of the late Norair and Zenount Artinian. Anahid moved to the United States in 1967 and soon started her life in Watertown.
Anahid was a devoted wife to her loving husband Nishan, to whom she was married for 50 years prior to his passing in 2022. Together, they were a fixture in the St. Stephen’s Armenian Church community.
Anahid is survived by her daughter Sonia, her son Ara (Christine) and her grandsons Andrew and Wyatt. She was predeceased by her husband Nishan and her brothers Haroutun and Vartan. She is also survived by loving nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at St. Stephen’s Church in Watertown.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, in memory of Anahid Najarian, or to St. Stephen’s Armenian Church.
Author information
Guest Contributor
Guest contributions to the Armenian Weekly are informative articles or press releases written and submitted by members of the community.
|
The post In Memory of Anahid Najarian appeared first on The Armenian Weekly.