‘Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!’ (Isaiah 2:5).
The life of a person, especially a Christian, becomes impossible to sustain in constant renewal and awakening if we fail to hear and adhere to God’s voice, aligning our lives with the life of Christ. This is the message of Christmas: the Son of God descends from His heavenly throne to reveal His divine and boundless love, lifting our fallen human nature and reconciling us with our Father.
With confidence and faith, let us respond to the call of the Prophet Isaiah, making God the foundation of our lives, the light of life, and the path we walk.
We live in a beautiful world where humanity is the crown of divine creation. This world entices us with marvels, new inventions, and technological advancements that ease our lives. Yet, when we witness the pain and suffering of people in different parts of the world, we realize that some are deprived of enjoying the beauty and goodness of God’s creation.
In the face of global turmoil, the Son of God – Baby Jesus – once again makes His humble appearance to humanity. His birth comes to the Prophet Isaiah as a message of light: “Let us walk in the light of the Lord.”
The Nativity and Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is an invitation to renewal and introspective reflection. It also becomes a bridge connecting heaven to earth and a seal of reconciliation between humanity and God.
During our lifetimes, we celebrate many birthdays, which not only bring us joy but also offer opportunities to ponder the purpose and meaning of life, our mission on earth, the gifts of the Holy Spirit bestowed upon us, and how we might use them to illuminate the course of our lives. We also commit ourselves to rectify all the negativity rooted deep within our spirituality so that we may be reborn with Baby Jesus. That is when our lives are transformed miraculously.
The astounding event of Christ’s incarnation, which also marks the New Year 2025, invites us to make the life of Christ the mirror of our own lives. It urges us to continue our earthly journey with prudence, grounded in our spiritual and moral values, the vision of our forefathers, love for our Motherland, and a spirit of service, while preserving the sanctity of the Christian family.
Look at how children celebrate Christmas with enthusiasm and pure hearts. We must foster the same spirit in our hearts so that the celebration of Christ may become our own celebration, adhering to the words of the Prophet: “Let us walk in the light of the Lord!”
We indeed celebrate the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ when we walk in the light of the Lord, live lives befitting Christians, and make 2025 a year of journeying with God, keeping it under Christ’s spotlight. Furthermore, the miraculous birth of Christ affords us the opportunity to reflect on our spiritual lives as a community and diocese. How well are we preserving the sacred traditions of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church entrusted to us, and how faithful are we, especially in these challenging times?
Let us walk in the light of the Lord so that we are not consumed by darkness. When we walk in the light of the Lord, we ascend to God. We have been given the means to walk in His light and persevere in our journey – prayer, faith, commitment, and a creative spirit.
Let us walk in the light of the Lord, for it is the only path that leads us to Baby Jesus, before whom we bow our heads with psalms of praise and glorification. As we greet each other warmly, confidently, and affectionately, let us proclaim:
“Christ is Born and Revealed; Blessed is the revelation of Christ our Lord!”
