Schism

Those who love God, do not cause schism in the Church- but, those who fail to understand God's words.

Christ

If you don't believe in Christ crucified- you'll have no reverence for Christ resurrected.

The Kingdom values

Our life is an assignment in Faith; Hope; Love and every other virtue.
Living our life according to the 'kingdom values'¹ makes us worthy of God's Eternal kingdom.

1. Faith; Hope in God ( to wait upon God); Humility; love; Charity; Gentleness; Kindness; to be Merciful; to be Forgiving; Contrite; Sacrificing; Generosity; Patience; Understanding; Compassion; Perseverance;  Purity; Moderation.

Choose the one which your heart inclines to and your life needs the most- make 'kingdom values' the driving force of your life.

Saint's lives were characterized by the 'kingdom values'.

Human misery

The fact of human misery is- we fail to live daily in the love¹ of Christ.

In the hardship and desperation of day-to-day life, we even become completely oblivious of Christ- the way of our life.

1. 'love', that assures us of God's presence in our life- gives strength and peace to our weary and troubled heart.

Humility vs Pride

In Humility, we see our sinfulness- in Pride, we see our Saintliness.

Christmas Crib' 2016

 

I have created this crib on the theme: "I am the Resurrection and the Life."

I have shown the birth of our Lord Jesus in the tomb, signifying HIS dual nature- "I am the resurrection and the life." A further attempt is made in showing HIS second coming- "Christ has died; Christ is risen, Christ will come again." 

 

Life is resurrected- life is born.

 

Each element of the crib has a deeper meaning. Therefore, I request you to read the description of the crib as you admire its spiritual beauty.

Christmas Theme: I am the Resurrection and the Life.

1. The tomb: The tomb is shown in white, signifying HIS divinity; His resurrection and HIS humble birth- here, the victorious Christ is resurrected to new life. Furthermore, I have shown HIS birth in the tomb signifying HIS second coming at the end of time. ("Christ has died; Christ is risen, Christ will come again.")
2. Heart and the Star:  Christ( the love of God) is born to give new life to the world. Star- the symbol of HIS birth. The green color is symbolic of new life; peace; something that is alive; something that is growing. Furthermore, the green color alludes to green wood- symbolic of Christ' innocence- ("For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?") [ Luke23:31 ]
3. Tombstone: The tombstone is symbolic of the world-  putting an end to the 'love of Christ'- but, Love conquers all; defeats death and sin- breaks open every barrier.
4. Palm leaves: 2000 years ago, people welcomed Christ as a Prophet- in present age, people are gradually coming to believe in HIM and accept HIM as the 'Messiah'. Palm leaf symbolizes welcome; rejoicing. ("Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!") [ Luke 19:38] [Mat 23:39]
5. Vine offshoot: The vine sprig sprouting from the tomb is symbolic of Christ- the source of life- giving new life to the world. ("I am the vine; you are the branches.) [ John 15:5 ]. Christ is the vine in whom our life should be deeply rooted. 

Our Faith ( in resurrected Christ)  begins here (in the tomb)-  "And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith." [ 1Corinthians 15:14 ]

New year

In the ways of the world, new year is for new plans; new resolutions; new undertakings etc.
In the ways of God- new year is for beginning new life in God and yet another year of preparation( for Eternal Kingdom) for those who are nearing their end of life.

What resolutions do we make?
what resolutions can we promise?

St. Augustine beautifully describes the truth of human nature in his prayer:

"our life groans under sorrow, yet mends not in deed.
If Thou spare us we correct not our ways- if Thou punish we cannot endure it.
In time of correction we confess our wrong-doing- after Thy visitation we forget that we have wept.
If Thou stretchest forth Thy hand we promise amendment- if Thou witholdest the sword we keep not our promise.
If Thou strikest we cry out for mercy- if Thou sparest we again provoke Thee to strike."

Today' picture of Christian life is- Married relationships are falling apart; relationship between husband and wife lacks love and affection;  Faith in God has grown weak- is not strong enough to endure the hardships of changing times.

In view of our life in this transient world, the only resolution we ought to keep is- our steadfast faith in Christ our Lord. The more we grow stronger in our faith relationship with God- the more it will conquer the world( unbelief; hate; malice; envy; anger etc.) that is within us- God's everlasting Peace will take hold of our life; our relationships.

Have a Blessed and Fruitful year in God !!!