We are blessed to live in a Christian church that is so full and rich with tradition. Christ initiated and taught us how to live, walk, pray, and worship Him through His words which are visible in the written word of the Bible and His directives to His close followers. The Apostles continued Christ's teachings through speaking and writing to those in their travels. The teachings grew from the original followers to other people around the world throughout the centuries. The belief in Christ and His Truth affects many people in the past, present, and future.
It has been 1,700 years now since the Council of Nicea occurred in 325 A.D. The Bishops of that day composed a comprehensive statement of faith that most all Christian denominations believe—even if they don't recite it in their prayers and worship services on a regular basis.
I remember reading about a monk who recited it slowly, deliberately, and reverently when he was given the duty of reading it out loud in services. I know I can sometimes recite it without much thought. Here is the Nicene Creed. Take the time to slowly read it, savoring and taking in its words:
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible; And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-Begotten, begotten of the Father before all worlds, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, begotten, not made; Of one essence with the Father; by Whom all things were made; Who for us and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and was made man; And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried; The third day He rose again according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father; And He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; Whose Kingdom shall have no end. And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life, Who proceeds from the Father, Who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, Who spoke by the prophets. And I believe in One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen
Emmanuel! As we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ this Nativity season, may we remember that the Lord, the Father Almighty, is "God with us." He came down from heaven living as a man as we live. He died for us. He left us the Holy Spirit which we receive in Holy Baptism. Wherever you are, wherever you go, you carry the Love of Christ in you.
May His Peace surround you and yours—Christ is born!
In His Love,
Dana / Paisia
