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But why, it may be asked, was the young Child sent into Egypt? The evangelist himself makes this clear: He was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt have I called My Son.” From that point onward we see that the hope of salvation would be proclaimed to the whole world. Babylon and Egypt represent the whole world. Even when they were engulfed in the flames of ungodliness, God signified that He intended to correct and amend both Babylon and Egypt. God wanted humanity to expect His bounteous gifts to the whole world, and so He called from Babylon the wise men, and sent to Egypt the holy family. There is another lesson also to be learned, which tends powerfully toward true self-constraint in us. We are warned from the beginning to look out for temptations and plots. See, for instance, how this was the case even from the beginning when He came in swaddling clothes. Thus you see even at His birth, first a tyrant raging, then flight ensuing, and departure beyond the border; and yet for no crime is His mother is exiled into the land of the barbarians. Similarly, you yourself need not be troubled if you see yourself suffering incurable ills and enduring countless dangers. Do not be greatly troubled nor say, “What can this be? Yet surely I ought to be crowned and celebrated, and be glorious and illustrious for fulfilling the Lord’s commandment.” But having this example, bear all things nobly, knowing that such a fugitive life is especially the order of all things spiritual. You are sharing the same temptations and labors that they did. This is the case not only with regard to the mother of the young Child, but also of those magi; since they for their part retire secretly in the condition of fugitives. – St. John Chrysostom
Sermon:
Church Announcements
- Blessed Feast of the Nativity!
- Feast of the Circumcision of the Lord
- Vespers: Thursday, 8:00 -10:30am
- Liturgy: Friday, 8am-10:30am
Saints of the Week:
- St. Callinicus – Monday, Jan. 10
- Commemoration of the Slain Children of Bethlehem – Tuesday, Jan. 11
- St. John the Evangelist– Wednesday, Jan. 12
- St. Eusegnius the Soldier– Thursday, Jan. 13
- Feast of Circumcision of Christ, Ascension of Elijah – Friday, Jan. 14
- St. Silvester – Saturday, Jan. 14
This Week’s Schedule:
- Monday:
- Midnight Praises: 8:00-9:30pm
- Tuesday:
- Bible Pleasure: 7:00pm
- Wednesday:
- Liturgy: 5:00-7:00am
- Thursday:
- Liturgy: 7:30-10:00am
- Vespers: 7:00-7:30pm
- Friday:
- Liturgy: 8:00-10:30am
- Saturday:
- Hymns Class: 5:00-6:00pm
- Sunday School: 6:00-7:00pm
- Vespers: 7:00-7:30pm.
- Midnight Praises: 7:30-9:30am
- Sunday:
- Liturgy: 7:30-11:00am
- Liturgy: 7:30-11:00am