1. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Malankara World
Christmas is a time when we pray and wish for a better future for mankind and the victory
of good over evil.
To some, the road ahead will be difficult. But Christmas reminds us all that we
are not in charge of the outcome. God is! ...
2. Foreword
The story (of the slaughter of innocents) tells us that the Christ child was
born into bedlam, mayhem, the madness which is our world. The Child was born
because, pervasive as this reality about us is, it is not all we are. The story
was written to give us hope.The story tells us that our salvation is born in the midst of such times, into
the heart of our darkness, in a moment when time is shattered and new time
begins. ...
I. Martyrdom/Massacre of Infants
Day
3.
Bible Readings for Martyrdom of Infants (December
27)
http://www.MalankaraWorld.com/Library/Lectionary/ Lec_martyrdom_of_Infants.htm
4.
Sermons for Martyrdom of Infants (December
27)
http://www.MalankaraWorld.com/Library/Sermons/Sermon-of-the-week_Martyrdom-of-Innocents.htm
II. This Sunday in Church - 1st Sunday After Christmas
5.
Bible Readings for This Sunday (December
27)
http://www.MalankaraWorld.com/Library/Lectionary/ Lec_1st_sunday_after-christmas.htm
6.
Sermons for This Sunday (December
27)
http://www.MalankaraWorld.com/Library/Sermons/ Sermon-of-the-week_1st-sunday-after-christmas.htm
7.
Malankara World Advent and Christmas Supplements
To learn more about the spiritual significance of Christmas
and Advent Season Malankara World has created special supplements so you can
read all about them in depth. Click below to visit:
Malankara World Christmas Supplement
http://www.MalankaraWorld.com/Library/Seasonal/ Christmas/Default.htm
Malankara World Advent Supplement
http://www.MalankaraWorld.com/Library/Seasonal/ advent/Default.htm
III. Featured Articles - Martyrdom of Infants
8.
Celebrate the Christ-Child and Remember the Children
In today's gospel, we learn that the celebration of Christmas is not so pretty,
romantic or idealistic. Rather, we learn through this divine drama in three acts
that life in this world can be very dangerous. Life in this world can be cruel.
Life in this world can be subject to evil plots, schemes and acts orchestrated
by power hungry people who themselves are possessed by evil and rely on evil to
protect their power and status. ...
9.
Rachel Weeping
In the midst of our celebrations we also listen to
Rachel's lament because today her children and her neighbors' children are
still dying with their hands on each other's throats in blind rage over
disagreements old as her own jealousy of Leah. ...
10.
The Fear of Competition
This passage from Matthew's infancy narrative is a
proleptic passion and resurrection narrative. In it we see that God's Power
Prevails.
It prevails here as it did in the Exile from Egypt and as it will in the
crucifixion and resurrection of this newly born savior. This Son is not
destroyed as an infant, just as he is, ultimately, not destroyed as an
adult....
11.
Poem: My Son - A Memoire
A grieving mother reflects.
IV. Featured Articles - Christmas
12.
Prayer: The Kontakion of the Nativity
The Kontakion of the Nativity by Romanos the
Melodist, Chanted in Tone 3 - Eastern Orthodox Church.
13.
The Birth of Jesus through Joseph's Eyes
When we celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmastime, our attention is most
often given to Luke's account, because it gives us so much information. It tells
us of the annunciation of the angel Gabriel to the peasant girl Mary. It
includes the story of the shepherds as well as the infancy hymns that are sung
by Zacharias and by others during that time. Matthew's version is much briefer.
...
14.
What Christmas Is All About: God Saving Us, in a Humble Way, to Be His People
What Christmas is all about is so much greater. And it is this: God saving
us, in a humble way, to be his people. And it all happens through Jesus, the
baby born in Bethlehem, lying in a manger: "a Savior, who is Christ the
Lord." ...
15.
'Peace, Peace' When There Is No Peace
Christmas is not the time, as many suppose, for suppressing religious
differences and pursuing peace at all costs. It is actually a time that is
particularly suited to gently but steadfastly affirming the superiority of
the Christian worldview with fathers and mothers, sons and daughters,
siblings, and all others who oppose it. It is a time for earnestly reminding
unbelievers, even as we share gifts, that they are enjoying God's gifts all
the while ignoring the Giver. ...
16.
Mighty God
The same El who created the stars and who leads them out by name would take on
human form and walk beneath them. The same El who knit together each person in
his mother's womb would allow Himself to be knit together and walk among the
very people He created. ...
V. General Weekly Features
17.
Recipe: English Toffee Bars
To satisfy your occasional sweet tooth. Serve the
whole holiday season and beyond.
18.
Eleven Rules for Successful Families
What defines family success? Successful families share similar traits. A
successful family is one that has love and acceptance and laughter. Any family
that is thriving is successful.
But how do you achieve success as a family? By following these 11 rules - and
ways to implement them - that are the hallmarks of successful families. ...
19.
Family Special: The Holy Family and Our Family
The role of Joseph as protector of the Holy Family is highlighted in the Matthew
passage. Joseph is the one who receives guidance from the Lord and uses this
guidance to protect and lead his family. The essential ingredient for Joseph is
the fact that he is obedient to the guidance God gives. All of the messages in
the world from angels of the Lord are pointless unless we actualize them with
the energy of obedience. ...
20.
Statement by the US President Obama on Persecuted Christians at Christmas
In some areas of the Middle East where church bells have rung for centuries on
Christmas Day, this year they will be silent; this silence bears tragic witness
to the brutal atrocities committed against these communities by ISIL. ...
21.
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