Dwelling Place for Christmas

The Nativity lenten season has begun...
will God find an available "dwelling place" to be born?
Will there be room at our inn?

When He comes, as He did then to the city of Bethlehem, to knock on our doors....will there be room in our homes, in our hearts, and in the sometimes darkness of our lives for Panagia to lay and give birth to the giver of ever-lasting peace? What state will He find our caves in? Ready, asleep, or full to capacity with other things?

You see, the cave is not only a physical place of historical importance, but a spiritual metaphor for each one of us. Isn't it also interesting that so many monks/nuns in our Orthodox tradition took up residence in an actual cave, where they decorated it with icons and burning vigil lamps living their lives in complete concentration and stillness. Hence, the "Light was born into darkness." Literally, and symbolically.

How, might we ask, could God who is grander in size than any other "fit into" the smallness of our bodies and hearts? If He wanted to, couldn't He force out the things in His way to make room? Sure, He could, but He wouldn't. Instead, He invites us to do this work because it encourages a cooperation with Him. In fact, He asks that we do so, to put forth some effort.

You see, the greatest of man's sins and the true opposite of love is not hate, but actually "indifference."  We simply ignore Him everyday, and pretend He's not there. Like when we pass someone poor, in need on the street, and pretend we don't see them, even though our hearts feel differently.

If you choose and are willing try the following:

• Give Him the greatest of gifts - your time and your attention. We do this by isolating ourselves in prayer, with the door shut behind us, and the television off. Eliminate all distractions.
• Physically clean out space in your souls through fasting and confession. Even at the last hour if you have not yet done so, it is well worth it.
• Lastly, shut out the consumerism and over commercialization of these holy days and fight to remain focused and available to Him. This has to be a conscientious choice.

Any other suggestions? Please leave a comment!

Wishing you and your families a truly joyful preparation this year of Christmas ~ 2014.

A Heavy Load

One small way of making the Sacrament of Confession real for kids, is by having them feel the weight of our own sinfulness! (This was tested on teens and proved to be powerful). Without giving away the punchline, ask your kids to pair up (girls with girls, boys with boys)having one hold the other in a piggy-back fashion. Read out loud together a spiritual text on Confession or story from a Saint's life for approx. 5-10 minutes. Check in often with the child bearing the weight- ask him/her how they're feeling....how much longer do they think they can go on.... is the weight getting lighter or heavier as they get tired?

(For younger children, use a backpack and heavy items that are labeled with example sins. Discuss each sin as it is placed inside)

Finally, read out loud the "Prayer of Absolution" that the priest reads at the end of the Sacrament of Confession, and allow the kids to take their seats...thus releasing their burden. Introduce the idea that the weight we carry around can be our sins. What does it mean to be a sinner? What are examples of sins? (To keep a secret, lie or steal, or by doing something wrong without apologizing, to disobey our parents, use profanity, or speak bad about others)

Remember, only Christ was without sin - Discuss the medicine that the Church offers to all who desire to be healed through the Sacrament of Confession. Go one step further to ask if anyone has been to Confession and can share their experience... Lastly, schedule a time for each child/teen to confess.

Ten Spiritual Tools for Confession

1. Tune in by sitting alone with God.

2. Still yourself in silence and clear your thoughts from any daily tasks.

3. Read the prayers to warm up your attention to God.
I have sinned, Lord, forgive me. +God, be gracious to me a sinner.

4. Ask God to open your heart and reveal to you the things to confess.

5. Honesty takes courage. Approach with boldness in Christ.

6. Resist any embarrassment during the Sacrament.

7. Don't let shame get in the way from receiving God’s love.
Run to Him.

8. Don't be sorry that you are a sinner.
This should be of no surprise to you.

9. If you have sadness, be sorry that you have hurt God.

10. Seek to sin no more, not because you expect perfection from
yourself, but rather because you no longer desire to hurt yourself or God.

After Confession Prayer
+Almighty and merciful God, I truly thank you for the forgiveness of my sins; bless me, Lord, and help me always, that I may ever do that which is pleasing to you, and sin no more. Amen.”