On Wednesday evening, December 17, our St. Sarkis community was treated to a much-needed evening of Biblical reading and reflections, led by Der Nareg Terterian. Der Nareg highlighted five Gospel readings - drawn from Matthew and Luke - that together present the Nativity narrative, including the incarnation, revelation, and salvation.
Together, these Gospel readings present a profound theological revelation of how God enters the world and our lives, and ultimately reveals Himself to humanity. Der Nareg pointed out the importance of the historical context and harsh realities surrounding the birth of Jesus as a reminder that Christ entered history at a moment of fear and instability and normal human circumstances for its time- and the importance of making room for Christ to enter our lives in our own unsettling world with the same humility and trust that welcomed Him into this world.
Der Nareg reflected on the point that Christ was born not only for the world but within its messiness and brokenness, transforming humility, worship, and suffering into paths of salvation. Der Nareg reminded us that God doesn't expect perfection from us and isn't afraid to come into our messy, complicated lives. He encouraged us to allow God to enter our lives in different ways through prayer, worship, humility, openness, and through questioning and curiosity - just as the Virgin Mary asked questions as she allowed and accepted the way God changed her life for our salvation.
In the midst of the readings, Der Hayr played hauntingly beautiful sharagans to help guide our reflections on letting God into our lives, especially those deepest places in our souls where we feel hurt or broken, in order to bring us closer to the great joy of Jesus Christ.
Many thanks to Der Nareg for the time and love invested in nourishing our souls with a better understanding of the profound meaning of Christmas.