Feast Day of St. Basil who was an early Church Father. He vigorously defended the orthodox faith against the Arian heresy and emphasized the doctrine of the Trinity. St Basil was taught theology from his sister Macrina and eventually became  Bishop. He wrote several works on monasticism, theology, and canon law.

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Reading: “The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" Read John 1:29-51

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Collect: Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, kindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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Pray: Practice the Welcoming Prayer or another prayer practice.

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Make Merry:

• Gratitude Journal: Write 3 things for which you are grateful.

• Play Christmas Song Pictionary; 

• Make a Trinity Cookies remembrance of Basil; 

• Print, decorate and fold a Trinity Pyramid; color the Trinity coloring page. 

• Make Nine Ladies Dancing. Take a Photo and post with #12TideCbus

 

Ancient Text Reflection:

 A Sermon of St Basil (AD 379)  “On the Incarnation”

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The actual, first nativity of Christ, His actual birth from all eternity in the bosom of His Father, must be venerated in silence. We should never permit our mind to investigate this mystery. Since time and space did not exist, since no form of expressions had yet been created, since there is not a single eyewitness, nor anyone who can describe this eternal birth, how can reason form any concept for reflection? How can the tongue give expression to thoughts that cannot be formulated? The Father was, and the Son was born! Do not say: "when?" but rather leave that question unasked. Do not ask "how?" for there is not answer! For the word "when" suggests time, and "how" suggests birth in the flesh...God is on earth, He is among men, not in the fire nor amid the sound of trumpets; not in the smoking mountain, or in the darkness, or in the terrible and roaring tempest giving the Law, but manifested in the flesh, the gentle and good One dwells with those He condescends to make His equals! God is in the flesh, not operating from a distance, as did the prophets, but through Him human nature, one with ours, He seeks to bring back all mankind to Himself.

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“Homily on the Generation of Christ” 

O man, know then that God becomes flesh

And where did this incarnation take place?

The body of a Holy Virgin!

Let us, too, burst forth with voice of joy.

Let us celebrate the mystery of the Salvation of the whole world,

The birthday of mankind.

Today the blame of Adam is revoked.

No longer: "You are dust, and to dust you will return";

But, closely united to the celestial world,

You will be lifted even into Heaven.

No longer: in pain will you bear sons;

But, blessed is the one who has borne Emmanuel

And blessed is the womb that nourished Him.