LOVE PLAYS A PIVOTAL ROLE IN THIS JOURNEY
Posted on January. 20. 2024
Founding Pastor, Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church (Upland)
Adjunct Professor of Armenian Language
Pasadena City College
Languages Department
Editor’s note: Below is a January 6 Christmas Sermon delivered by Rev. Kevork Halladjian, Founding Pastor, Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church (Upland)
In Matthew 1:18-25,
Mary, engaged to Joseph, being found pregnant. The text emphasizes that this conception is not a result of a normal marital relationship but is attributed to the Holy Spirit. Joseph, initially unaware of the divine nature of the child, decides to divorce Mary quietly to avoid public disgrace.
However, an angel appears to Joseph in a dream, revealing the supernatural origin of Mary’s pregnancy and instructing him to take Mary as his wife. The angel assures Joseph that the child is conceived by the Holy Spirit and is to be named Jesus, signifying his mission to save people from their sins.
The passage then connects this event to the fulfillment of the prophecy from Isaiah 7:14, emphasizing that the virgin birth aligns with the Scriptures. Joseph obediently accepts his role in this divine plan, demonstrating faith and trust in God’s guidance. The passage sets the stage for the unfolding story of Jesus’ birth, underscoring its extraordinary and divine nature.
* In Matthew 2:9-12,
wise men, often referred to as the Magi or Three Kings, journey from the East following a mysterious star. The star signifies the birth of a significant figure, and their journey is guided by this celestial sign. Arriving in Jerusalem, they inquire about the newborn king of the Jews, causing concern and curiosity in the city.
King Herod, troubled by this news, consults the chief priests and scribes who identify Bethlehem as the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah according to Micah 5:2. Herod then sends the wise men to Bethlehem, asking them to report back once they find the child.
As the wise men continue their journey, the star reappears, leading them directly to the house where Jesus and his family are staying. Contrary to the traditional nativity scene, it’s noteworthy that they visit a house, not the stable where Jesus was born.
Upon finding Jesus, the wise men present him with three significant gifts:
1. Gold: Symbolizing Jesus’ kingship and royalty.
2. Frankincense:
Representing Jesus’ divinity, as it was used in worship and rituals.
3. Myrrh:
Pointing to Jesus’ future sacrifice, as myrrh was often used in the burial process.
After presenting their gifts, the wise men are warned in a dream not to return to Herod. This divine intervention ensures Jesus’ safety, as Herod’s intention was to harm the child. Obedient to the dream, the wise men depart for their homeland via a different route, avoiding Herod’s malicious plans.
This passage highlights the universal significance of Jesus’ birth, as these Gentile wise men travel from the East to worship him. It also introduces the theme of opposition and danger that Jesus will face, setting the stage for the broader narrative of his life and mission.
* In Luke 2:8-14, the scene unfolds with shepherds tending their flock in the fields near Bethlehem. Shepherds were considered humble and ordinary figures in society, making their inclusion in this divine announcement significant.
An angel of the Lord appears to them, and the glory of the Lord shines around them, causing fear. The angel reassures them, saying, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” This good news is the birth of a Savior, the Christ (Messiah), and the Lord, in the city of David, which is Bethlehem. The use of these titles emphasizes Jesus’ role as the anticipated Messiah and the Lord of all.
The angel provides a specific sign for the shepherds to identify the newborn Messiah: “And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” This unusual setting further emphasizes the humility of Jesus’ birth.
Suddenly, a multitude of the heavenly host appears with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” This heavenly proclamation connects the birth of Jesus to the broader theme of bringing peace to humanity. The phrase “peace on earth” signifies not just the absence of conflict but the arrival of reconciliation between God and humanity through the redemptive work of Jesus.
The shepherds respond by deciding to go to Bethlehem to see the newborn child. After finding Jesus, they share the angel’s message with others, and all who hear are amazed. This passage underscores the inclusive nature of the message—delivered to humble shepherds—and highlights the universal significance of Jesus’ birth, bringing joy and peace to all people who accept him.
2024 mission for us is:
A year of:
Forgiveness, a profound act of letting go, begins with self-reflection. Recognizing and accepting our mistakes is the first step toward self-forgiveness. It’s acknowledging the human aspect within us, understanding that imperfection is inherent. By embracing our flaws, we pave the way for personal growth and transformation.
Love plays a pivotal role in this journey. When we cultivate love for ourselves, it becomes a powerful force, enabling us to extend forgiveness to others. Love fosters empathy, helping us understand that everyone is on their unique path, navigating through their own challenges. This understanding becomes a bridge to reconciliation and healing.
As we extend love to our friends and neighbors, we contribute to the collective tapestry of compassion. Each act of kindness becomes a step towards building a harmonious community. Love, both for oneself and others, becomes the key that unlocks doors to forgiveness and, subsequently, to inner peace.
In the pursuit of peace, our prayers take on a deeper meaning. Beyond asking for tranquility, we seek guidance to navigate life’s complexities, love to fuel our actions, and compassion to connect with others on a profound level. This holistic approach acknowledges that true peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of understanding, love, and shared humanity.
So, let 2024 be a year where forgiveness, fueled by love and accompanied by prayers for guidance and compassion, becomes the cornerstone of our journey towards lasting peace.