November 15th is the beginning of the Nativity Fast for Eastern Orthodox Christians on the new calendar. This is a challenge for many of us as so many friends, relatives, and workplaces will host Christmas parties with plenty of tasty meats and cheeses. According to your priest and bishop, there may be a reprieve for Thanksgiving Day. There will be additional services on either Wednesdays, Fridays, or both. There is nothing wrong with decorating, hitting the sales for gifts and enjoying the company of others. But the tradition of the Church is to enter this season with sober mindedness; a trait that is sorely absent from our society as a whole and especially over the holidays.
In every Nativity scene, Jesus is shown as a newborn baby. He, like all of us, doesn’t remain an infant. Jesus grows up and becomes strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God is upon Him (Luke 2:40). He becomes a man that humbles Himself and is obedient to the point of being crucified (Philippians 2:7, 8). The sweet baby Jesus is adorable. But the growing child into adulthood is far more demanding. The man, the Son of Man sets a daunting standard. No wonder we like Santa Claus so much. He goes back to the North Pole until the next holiday season. Jesus is always and eternal. Shame on the Christian that tries to put him in a box in the attic for 10 months the day after New Years.
I’ve often heard, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5) given as a challenge during fasting periods and for living spiritually in general. The Nativity Fast (Advent Season for Catholics and Protestants) is a perfect time for such a focus as this season is notorious for commercialism, gluttony, materialism, and many other passions that separate us from God. Decorate and shop as you wish (better still, as you can afford). But deliberately make time to get closer to the Lord and don’t let the seasonal busyness interrupt your spiritual growth. Posting, “Jesus is the Reason for the Season,” is cute. However, overused catch phrases and memes lose their meaning.
Examine your prayer life and push yourself to do a little better than you have been doing. No, don’t try for 500 Jesus Prayers while making 300 prostrations reading Volume Six of the Philokalia. But reading one of the Gospels (Matthew and Luke have scripture on the birth of Jesus) doesn’t take long. There are books from the early fathers to modern authors that are beneficial as well. Replacing a few minutes of scrolling with stillness is also helpful. Charitable giving is always good, especially when “the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing (Matthew 6:1-3). Talk to your spiritual father (or mother) for any specific guidance.
May the Lord grant you grace as we embark on this journey.
