The season of Christmas folds into the season of the Epiphany....

The seasons of Christmas and Epiphany have a catechetical and a spiritual link.  In a sense we can say that the Christmas season addresses the mystery of God having become man.  Where the season of the Epiphany moves the Christmas season to it's next spiritual step, and that is man is to become like Christ.

This link shows a theological progression that has long been taught by the Church.  For example, St. Athanasius, (293 to 373 A.D.) wrote that

The Son of God became man so as to deify us in Himself'.

Another way of expressing this has been that God became man so the man could become like God.  Pretty strong words.

But we find St.Paul speaking on the same terms.  In Ephesians 2:4-10 he writes

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love he had for us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, brought us to life with Christ (by grace you have been saved), raised us up with him, and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so no one may boast. For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them.

When we tag this passage above to Ephesians 1:9-10

For God has made known to us in all wisdom and insight the mystery of his will, according to his purpose which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fulness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

we can see that God is actually drawing all of creation through out the course of history into the  process of deification, which is to return everything to its original state, as it was before the fall.

This is expressed in the prayers in our Prayer Book such as the liturgy of the Great Vigil of Easter.  We pray

How holy is this night, when wickedness is put to flight, and sin is washed away. It restores innocence to the fallen, and joy to those who mourn. It casts out pride and hatred, and brings peace and concord.

How blessed is this night, when earth and heaven are joined and man is reconciled to God.

But could this explain why God has called each of us to be Christians?  Becoming Christian means entering into this great movement of God.  A movement that allows us to find purpose and completeness in Jesus Christ.  Amen

DOK Presentation on Prayer and the Sign of the Cross.

Fr. Klein made a presentation to our Chapter of Divine Mercy of the DOK on Sunday, January 10.  The topic was how tracing the image of the Cross in the name of the holy Trinity is a method of prayer.  The following are a few Patristic sources that Fr. Klein quoted:

From St. John Chrysostom (347 to 407)

Never leave your house without making the sign of the Cross. It will be to you a staff, a weapon, a strong fortress. Neither man nor demon will dare to attack you, seeing you covered with such powerful armor. Let this sign teach you that you are a soldier, ready to combat against the demons, and ready to fight for the crown of justice. Are you ignorant of what the Cross has done? It has vanquished death, destroyed sin, emptied Hell, dethroned Satan, and restored the Universe. Would you then doubt its power?

From St. Cyril of Jerusalem (313 to 386)

Many have been crucified throughout the world, but by none of these are the devils scared; but when they see even the Sign of the Cross of Christ, who was crucified for us, they shudder. (emphasis is mine)

Sign Up for Spring Foyer

The office is forming the schedule for the Spring Foyer Term (January through April).  Foyer groups are small groups of six to eight people who meet about once a month in homes for dinner and fellowship.  It's a great way to meet and get to know other people in the parish.

To join a group just fill out the Foyer insert that has been inserted in the Sunday Bulletin or call the parish office at 817-927-5341.  Last day to sign up is Tuesday, Dec 29.  We would love to see you!

Prayer for Strength

O Strength of my soul, make Your way in and shape it to Yourself, that it may be Yours to have and to hold, free from stain or wrinkle.

St. Augustine of Hippo from his book "Confessions."

God's Healing Surgery

This is a quote from a sermon by St. Augustine of Hippo (November 13, 354 to August 28, 430 AD)

The doctor sometimes makes a mistake, but God never does.  So if you entrust yourself to a doctor who can sometimes make mistakes, you are entrusting yourself to human treatment. Won't you allow God to cut, and slice off some of your profits if, by such a check, you may have a lesson to learn?  So then, brothers and sisters, be upright of heart; that is, do not get annoyed with God for any reason.

This prayer is taken from his book "Confessions"

O my inward Healer, let my heart keep watch for Your loving mercy and Your gentle grace, through which every weak soul that knows its own weakness grows strong.