All of creation takes part in the birth of the Savior. Wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger is the Christ Child. His presence shines radically with the black background in which He was born. The blackness of the dark night surrounding the manger, symbolically, is this fallen world in which the “Sun of Righteousness” has dawned.  The Feast of Christmas is formally entitled: The Nativity in the Flesh of Our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ. At Christmas we celebrate the birth of the Son of God as a man, the one who is truly God, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, from all eternity. He came into the world; this actually happened in history. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld His glory, glory as of the only son from the Father.” (John 1:14)

He came because He cared.      St. Gregory of Nyssa tells us: “Here is the reason for God’s presence among men. Our nature was sick and needed a doctor. Man had fallen and needed someone to raise him up.” Jesus Himself tells us: “I come not to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matt. 9:13). “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). I have come as light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness” (John 12:46). I did not come to judge the world but to save the world” (John 12:47)

Fr. Anthony M. Coniaris describes our God as a loving God Who, when man fell into the ocean of sin and was drowning, did not just stay in heaven and shout directions on lifesaving, but jumped into the ocean after man to save him.

To all our parishioners and friends:

On Christmas mornings long ago, the church bell’s joyous sound,

Awakened all the countryside for miles and miles around.

And families came from far and near, despite the wintry weather,

To fill the little country church and worship there together.

How wonderful it was to be among that congregation

As friends and neighbors joined their hearts in humble adoration,

To feel the warmth and unity of souls in true accord

And hear the lovely story of the birth of Christ the Lord.

(Author Unknown)

From all of us to all of you….Let us all praise God for a love so great that He reached down and touched us through His Son. May all of you have a blessed Nativity Feast and experience God’s Love which Christmas celebrates. Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

On December 14 at 1:00 p.m. an Akathist/Healing service will be held to the Mother of God in front of her Icon “Queen of All.” General Confession will follow the service. Take this opportunity to rejuvenate your spiritual life as we prepare to celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord.

Happy Birthday to all those celebrating their birthday in December: Greg Cahayla on December 6, Effie Stankovci, and Georgiana Stankiewicz, both on December 7, and Elizabeth Hook on December 27. A very happy birthday to everyone celebrating their birthday in December and May God grant you all Many Years!

Following Divine Liturgy on November 10, St. John’s had a Thanksgiving Dinner enjoyed by our parishioners’ families and friends. It was truly a combined blessing of pleasant fellowship and delicious food. Pictures are in the Photo Gallery.

Betty Ann Fechisin, the coordinator for the appeal for Christmas gifts for the seminarian family sponsored by the “O” Club this year, expressed that the response has been very inspirational.  Father, Betty Ann, the Passaic “O” Club, and the trustees of St. John’s are all grateful for the loving response, and thank everyone for their participation. We wish you a blessed Christmas season and may the light of Christ’s Holy Nativity guide you throughout the coming year!

Also, Helen Baron, our coordinator for the food pantry, wants to thank everyone for their generous support in supplying food and money throughout the Thanksgiving season. Many grateful families and individuals, who otherwise would have had an empty table, sat down to a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner due to the help provided by those who care. Please continue your support and help re-stock the empty shelves especially now that we are approaching Christmas. Thank you.