The Christmas story is the story of how the uncreated God comes into creation, and it’s through this action that our fallen human nature is recreated, transformed, and saved.  The celebration of the Eucharist is the same proclamation – that God became man.  When God became man, in Jesus Christ, divinity was united to humanity. When we partake of the Eucharist, our humanity is united to divinity.

Here’s what Christ said:  So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you; he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.” (John 6:53-56 RSV)

This is the Christmas story; this is the gospel proclamation. This is what the Orthodox Church has faithfully proclaimed since it was founded on the day of Pentecost almost 2,000 years ago.

+++++

Our homes may not be filled with demons and all kinds of evil. But, throughout the year we may end up bringing things into our homes that we really don’t want there: such as anger, gossip, slander, lying, lust, hatred, envy, covetousness, sloth, despair and so on. Many of the Holy Fathers of our Faith tell us that there is a very spiritual aspect to all of these and they affect the atmosphere around us. So it can be in our homes and often it happens so very slowly that we do not recognize its impact.  So, when Holy Theophany rolls around this year and the opportunity for house blessings is made available, be sure to take advantage of this great blessing. It is the best “cleaning” you can possibly give your home.