"And there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem saying, "Where
is He that is born King of the Jews? And Herod the king was
troubled."
IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
AMEN.
My dearly beloved Orthodox Christians, herein is fulfilled the
prophecy of Baalam, "A star shall arise out of Jacob." (Numbers
24:17) When I was a "jew for jesus" it was paramount that we
memorize all of the OT prophecies. Thus we could "witness" to
the "Jewish people" more effecively. For some strange reason - it
didn't make a dent.
And even though all the chief priests and the scribes quoted to
Herod the passage, "And thou Bethlehem in the land of Judah.." Micah
5:2, still - it didn't make a dent.
Many call this "no-denting" the "mystery of unbelief." I just call
it simply, "Jews are tough nuts to crack." I have always loved that
line of St Paul's: "From henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles!"
(Acts 18:6)
We all reach our limits. Then we have to put our foot down. But look
here. The magi saw a star and were willing to go way beyond their
limits. Then in putting their feet down, "traversed afar." Sometimes
I think, if we are willing to make an effort, God honours it. But -
the effort may seem fruitless. "Perseverance" is the key.
As a salesman of the "straight-commission" kind, I had to learn
"perseverance." You just have to keep on plugging away. We had a
saying which went, "After 20 "no s" expect a "yes." Blank-out days
defied that rule.
But it is true. After so many no s, a yes will come. "Keep on
keeping on" my dear Magi. Don't give up the schlep. Soon very soon
you will see with your own eyes the "Star that has arisen out of
Jacob." Then back home you go, and you shall know "the day-star
arising in your own hearts."
Through the prayers of the dogged determined Holy Gaspar, Melchior,
and Balthazar who got to a great big "Yes" -
- ++ + ++ + ++ + ++ + ++ + ++ + ++ +
+ROAC Subdeacon Nathanael
Have I go a picture for you!
("Lavr&Alexy concelebrating") @
http://www.livejournal.com/users/sbn_nathanael/
"Someone's knockin' at the door
Somebody's ringin' the bell
Someone's knockin' at the door
Somebody's ringin' the bell
Do me a favor,
Open the door and let 'em in
"Sister Suzie, Father Parr,
Holy Gaspar, Balthazar,
Brother Melchior, Auntie Gin
Do me a favor and let 'em iiiiiiinnn..."
Our Dear Paul McCartney
"We three kings of Orient are;
Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star..
"ooh ooooh...
Refrain
"Star of wonder, star of light,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
"Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King forever, ceasing never,
Over us all to reign..
"ooh ooooh...
Refrain
"Frankincense to offer have I;
Incense owns a Deity nigh;
Prayer and praising, voices raising,
Worshipping God on high.
Refrain"
John H Hopkins Jr 1857