An Interview with Ms. Semaline Bekarian, Unconditional Love

In spite of the selfishness that the world encourages us to become part of, and in spite of its daring effect also on the Christian community, there are people who fervently, adamantly and cheerfully follow the path of giving it all for the sake of others, to reflect Him. This is what Semaline Bekarian calls Unconditional Love.


(Interview by Raffi)

Raffi - What are the reasons that make you want to help?
Semaline - There is no reason… Well life is a gift, and all of us are gifted. I believe that improving this world and life begins with “I”. According to me, after the verb “to Love”, “to Help” is the most beautiful verb in the world.

Raffi - What about your parents and friends, don't they tell you that you should be taking care of your needs and that you're young and need to be happy, rather than taking others' burdens?
Semaline - Nice question Raffi =) First of all, it’s not a burden at all, it's happiness.
But first you need to discover yourself, your own happiness. If you don’t know how to help yourself, you can’t give to others, and you can’t understand other people’s needs. By helping yourself and your family, you will find yourself on a path to help others genuinely.
Well, my parents are the first supporters to me, beside my wonderful friends, especially to "Sossy and Armen Balian”. I am super thankful for them.

Raffi - What kind of reactions have you received, that you still cannot forget?
Semaline - I can’t find words to express… but I will say this that they will never forget you.

Raffi - How can you define love?
Semaline - Nice one =) The definition of love is unique, and every person has a different experience with it, and this difference in experiencing love is a big part of our problem today.
Let me clear it up… For me, the most true and pure love is unconditional. It has no strings attached, no class, no positions, no levels, no expectations, no conditions, no complications, no hidden agendas, no separation... Unconditional love is healthy, healing with uplifting joy, peace and freedom. I can say a lot more, but I want to stop here and say one word: Unconditional. Love is simply saying "GOD", Who is limitless, endless, infinite; the divine, the source. As we follow His example and live according to His words, we influence our minds and feelings, and His Word helps us discern whether something is true or not.

Raffi - What can you tell us about people today? Do you agree that they have become more selfish? If yes, why?
Semaline - Well Raffi people are the same in all times, and this isn’t something new. If you take a look at history, you will see that people are inherently selfish. Selfishness is rooted in our biology, even in our genes... Generally I find this trait, not only in the materialistic field, but also socially and emotionally. It’s a long story.
This world teaches us the following: I deserve "this" and "that", I want more for my children than my parents gave me, and the children (grown up children) continue the same thinking, especially in America. When I was living there, I seldom saw children holding credit cards in their hands. It's funny, one day I was joking, I said: you know you’re living in 2010 when you have to remind kindergartners to turn off their cell phones before the story starts.
Today’s "life style": I, ME, MY, MORE, MORE, MORE. We believe that technology can give us a better life and we want more of it.

In the end, I want to say the following: The more control and power you gain and achieve, the more fearful you become of losing it. Your situation is never totally secure. Pursuing great power is endless. In America, people have everything, but they have so many problems. Their outer actions just show the symptoms of larger inner problems. They have a lot of anger inside them.
I want to conclude with this: our Creator is the author of our lives. God wants us to show to this world what it truly means to be good, not only with sympathy but with empathy. And to use His wisdom in dealing with matters, emotionally and socially. God wants us to lay our self confidence in Him, by trusting Him all our burdens. He wants us to be solid and balanced persons that others will love, respect and admire as children of God. You cannot teach to people everything, but you can help them to discover themselves, by discovering their Creator and believe me, then, they will give without remembering and take without forgetting.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year. May the joy and peace of Christmas be with you all through the year.
Remember this on Christmas day, that love weighs more than gold!

And He Shall Be Called…

What child is this? Whose birthday are we celebrating?

You will find in your bulletin the 56 names and titles of Jesus. I enjoyed preparing my sermon by just going over these names and meditating on them. I hope you can take it home with you. I suggest you keep it in your Bible, go over each name and find its impact on your life.
It is Christmas and we are all going to give and receive gifts. It is a big hassle to shop for the right gift for each person. Each gift has to somehow relate to its owner. Each gift has to be appropriate to the person it is going to.

Today we are going to open the gifts that Baby Jesus received. Are they appropriate? Will Baby Jesus like them?

The first gift is GOLD.

What kind of a gift is that? Will the Baby like it or use it? Gold is a royal gift, a gift appropriate for kings. Let us go over our list and find if there are any royal titles. Yes, we find three such titles: Jesus is called “King of the Jews” and he is called “King of Kings” and “Prince of Peace.”

That day, when the Wise Men looked for the baby, they proclaimed him as king. In fact, the great King Herod was terrified of this “new baby king.” He butchered infant children thinking he would eliminate this newborn king.

From that day, till Palm Sunday, no one recognized Jesus as king. On Palm Sunday when he was riding on a donkey, they shouted "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" (Luke 19:38)

A king that rides on a donkey and not a horse is a king who, according to the prophecies of the OT, is coming to bring peace. (Prince of Peace)

"Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey's colt." (John 12:15, Zch. 9:9)

What kind of peace? Any king who enters the city on a donkey symbolized a peace maker. This peace is not a passive peace. Jesus offers an internal peace in each person who comes to him with the heavy burdens of life.

Another “king”, Pilate, was confused about the identity of Jesus and kept asking, “Who are you? Are you the king of the Jews?” (John 18:33)

“You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."(John 18:37)

Jesus answers wisely and gives the reason why this king was born.

“I came into the world to testify to the truth.”

Without his truth there is no real peace. Without knowing and experiencing His truth in our lives, there is no Christmas, and there is no Easter.

Lately we studied the “Triumph of the Lamb.” The imagery of Jesus in Revelation is just victorious. The King of Kings is ruling over the churches. All nations will see the presence of a triumphant lamb on throne. Please gaze at Jesus’ robe: “On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”(Rev 19:16).

Jesus is not an ordinary king; he is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

The Second gift is FRANKINCENSE

Is this an appropriate gift for a baby? Is incense any good for a baby? It might even cause a hazard? Will the fire alarms of the stable go off?

Frankincense is a gift symbolizes that Jesus is the “High Priest.” According the Old Testament the priest is the one who mediates between God and humanity. He brings the offerings of the people to God. He is the only one who can enter the Holy of Holies in the temple to offer the prayers of his people.

Therefore, I will take two names from the list: “Mediator” and “High Priest.”

For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,(1 Tim2:5)

We do not have different roads to God. We have only one mediator between God and us, and that is Christ Jesus our Lord. All other earthly priests offered lambs or doves as a sacrifice for the sins of the people. Yet, this Priest, he offered Himself to save us from sin and death.

“Such a high priest meets our need-one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.” (Heb 7:26)

He not only took the place of the sacrifice, he became an advocate for us sitting on the right hand of God:

“The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven.”(Heb 8:1)

In fact, he called us to be a priestly nation; we are all called to be priests, dedicating our lives to God in service.

“Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.” (Heb 3:1)

This is an extraordinary High Priest. We can fix our thoughts on him. We fix our eyes on this King, Mediator, High Priest, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

The Third gift is MYRRH

This is a most unusual gift that one can offer to a newborn baby. A gift that symbolizes…death. Can you imagine giving a newborn baby a gift card from a mortuary, or a funeral home? (Cypress Lawn, Colma). Myrrh was used to embalm dead bodies. my-ylnyru gu zm-synk This gift symbolizes that Jesus will die for our sins to give us salvation. Here are the names: Savior, Man of Sorrows, Lamb of God, Redeemer and the name Jesus (yashouh, savior).

The 1st and 2nd chapters of Matthew and Luke record the vent relating to the birth of Jesus. I am not sure anyone will preach from Matthew 2:16-18 verses. It is the story that I don’t want to read. It is the story of the massacre of the innocent children of Bethlehem. It was an order given by King Herod the lunatic.

Jesus was born in a world of violence. As if Jesus were born today. He was also killed in the most vicious way, hanging on the cross for hours. (Was born in a violent world, died in violent world.) His third gift, MYRRH was given to his parents, for him, for us, for the entire world to proclaim that this little child is not an ordinary child. He is our Savior, our Redeemer, he is a Man of Sorrows, he is the Lamb of God who paid the penalty of sin.

I will repeat what Jesus said when he faced the earthly king Pilate:

“…for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.”(John 18:37)

What is our response to this King?

Let me tell you the response of one person:

“The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah" (that is, the Christ).” (John 1:41)

Take a look at the list again. Which name of Jesus speaks to your heart?

What gift are you going to offer him today?

Amen

Rev. Nerses Balabanian,
Calvary Armenian Congregational Church, San Francisco

Oh My! The Ignominy!


Imagine for a moment that you’re speaking in public to a person who’s known by the neighborhood that he or she is a dishonest person, a thief, a hustler, a harlot, a homosexual/gay or simply an immoral person. Do you realize the avalanche of gossip whirling around the neighborhood condemning you for associating with a decadent person? What a shame! You’d be on the lips of people for weeks; the hot news for the local tabloids!

That’s exactly what Jesus endured as he faced the “pious” and “moral” people of his day and was relentlessly defamed. Jesus protected a prostitute from being stoned; he visited lepers and touched them; he spent time with a woman in public who was living with a man that wasn’t even her husband; he went to lunch with “cheap” people and even befriended and entered the dwellings of despised men.

How could Jesus communicate with such people? He didn’t just greet the lowest of the low of society on the street, he actually came to like them and visit them constantly. My God! Jesus was one stumbling block to every self-righteous man who was trying to live a clean life by keeping away from unclean men and women.

But did Jesus come to heal the healthy or did he venture to heal the sick? The irony is that since the Fall there has been not a single healthy person on earth – only sick ones.

Hence, what is the good news all about? Aren’t we called to spread Jesus' aroma to all living souls around us?

ManoChil

MULTIFACETED DIMENSIONS OF CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION‏, by John Hovannes Havoonjian

In this multicultural diverse society of ours, the meaning and celebration of Christmas takes many forms and manifestations. To address this issue, and try to provide satisfaction to mixed gathering of people at Christmas, have come up with some trivia/information about non-trivial matters pertaining to Christmas.

I.- How many two-word expressions can you come up with (about 15) that contain the word "CHRISTMAS" used mainly as adjective?

II.- Name some of the Christmas decorations; describing their symbolic meaning.

III.- Name cultural things and events that are somehow associated with Christmas

IV.- Give the Non-English Titles of some of the Christmas Carols.
Mention the Country of Origin of the Carols

V.- List the Well Known Religious Carols of American-English Origin

VI.- List the Non-Religious Carols Dedicated to the Christmas Season

VII.- Give and Explain the Dates Related to the Celebration of Christmas

VIII.- Mention the Old Testament Prophecies (about 6) Regarding the Birth of Jesus

IX.- What are Some of the Names Given to Jesus in Old Testament Prophecies (about 10)

X.- How is Santa Claus Known in Various Countries of the World

XI.- How Do You Say "Merry Christmas" in Other Languages. Give 10 Examples!

XII.- Identify All the Proper Names Associated with the Birth of Jesus;
Mentioning in what Capacity were They Associated with His Birth.


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I.- How many two-word expressions can you come up with (about 15) that contain the word "CHRISTMAS" used mainly as adjective?

Christmas tree Christmas lights Christmas cards Christmas carols Christmas gifts
Christmas wreath Christmas spirit Merry Christmas Christmas ornament/decorations
Christmas stocking, Christmas party Christmas holiday Christmas vacation
Christmas program Christmas Eve service

II.- Name some of the Christmas decorations; describing their symbolic meaning.

Christmas tree: Evergreen Christmas tree symbol of everlasting hope for mankind
The Star: The Symbol of God's promise for a savior
Candles: Christ is the light of the world
Wreath: Represents one continuous round of affection;
Christ's love never ceases.
Gifts: Magi brought gifts to the baby Jesus. More importantly,
God so loved the World that He gave his only Begotten Son!
Candy Cane: Represents the cane of "the good shepherd" [Jesus]
Angels: The heavenly host heralded Jesus' birth:
"Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will towards men"
Bells: Just as in the case of the sheep, lost mankind is called to return to the safe fold.

III.- Name cultural things and events that are somehow associated with Christmas

Santa Claus, Eggnog, Creche (Nativity Scene), Fruit Cake, Nutcracker Suite,
Poinsettia, New Year's, Christmas Parades, Christmas Pageants, Family Gatherings,
Garlands, Holly and Ivy, Mistletoe, Christmas Meals: turkey, fish, lamb, ham, etc.

IV.- Give the Non-English Titles of some of the Christmas Carols.
Mention the Country of Origin of the Carols:

ADESTE FIDELIS [Latin] (O Come, All Ye Faithful) Originated from England
STILLE NACHT! HEILIGE NACHT! (Silent Night, Holy Night) Originated from Austria
O TANNENBAUM (O Christmas Tree) Originated from Germany
LES ANGES DAN NOS COMPAGNES (Angels We Have Heard on High) Originated from France
UN FLAMBEAU JEANNETTE, ISABELLE (Bring a Torch Jeannette, Isabella) Originated from France
CANTIQUE DE NOEL (O Holy Night) Originated from France
IN DULCI JUBILO [Latin] (Good Christian Men Rejoice) Originated from Italy
VENI, VENI EMANUEL (O Come, O Come Emmanuel) Originated from France
PANIS ANGELICUS [Latin] Written by Thomas Aquinas
AGNES DEI (The Lamb of God) Originated from Italy
FELIZ NAVIDAD (Merry Christmas) Hispanic origin
CAROL OF THE BELLS. Ukrainian origin

V.- List the Well Known Religious Carols of American-English Origin

Joy to the world. written by Isaac Watts
Hark the Harold Angels Sing. written by Charles Wesley
The First Noel [Nowell]. Originated from England
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. Originated from England
I Saw Three Ships on Christmas Day. Originated from England
We Three Kings of the Orient Are. Originated from America
While Shepherd Watched. Originated from England
O Little Town of Bethlehem. Originated from America
Angels From The Realms of Glory. Irish Carol
Go Tell it on the Mountain. American Negro
We Wish You a Merry Christmas. Originated from England


VI.- List the Non-Religious Carols Dedicated to the Christmas Season

Winter Wonderland
White Christmas
Jingle Bells
The Little Drummer Boy
Good King Winceslas
Deck the Halls
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
The Twelve Days of Christmas
Holly Jolly Christmas
Silver Bells
Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Home for the Holidays
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
The Holly and the Ivy


VII.- Give and Explain the Dates Related to the Celebration of Christmas

December 25 is the date when Western Christianity celebrates Christmas.
It is carryover from the pagan cult holiday Sol Invictus.
January 7 is the date when Eastern Christianity celebrates Christmas.
[The 13 days difference is due to using the Julian calendar (vs Gregorian)]
January 6 is the date that Armenian Apostolic church celebrates Christmas.
[January 6 is the Epiphany date for the rest of Christendom]
January 19 is when Jerusalem Armenians celebrate Christmas based on Julian calendar.


VIII.- Mention the Old Testament Prophecies (about 6) Regarding the Birth of Jesus

- Savior will be born from the Woman's seed
- The Virgin will give birth to the savior
- Will be born in Bethlehem [City of David]
- From the Tribe of Judah
- Descendant of King David
- Bethlehem children will be killed [did upon order of King Herod]
- Jesus would live temporarily in Egypt [family will return when safe]

IX.- What are Some of the Names Given to Jesus in Old Testament Prophecies (about 10)

Emmanuel [God with us]
Counselor
Wonderful
Savior (*)
Seed of David
Almighty God
Everlasting Father
King of Kings
Lord of Lords
Prince of Peace

(*) Jesus = Yehoshua [Yahweh/Jehova + Yasha (to save) ]
{The Old Testament name Joshua has the same root in Hebrew}

X.- How is Santa Claus Known in Various Countries of the World

Gaghant Baba (Armenian)
Sinterklaas (Dutch)
Pere Noel (French)
Father Christmas (UK)
Weihnachtmann (Germany)
Kanakaloka (Hawaii)
Babbo Natale (Italian)
Daidi ra Nollaig (Irish)
Ded Moroz (Russian: Grandfather Frost)
Dzmer Babig (Soviet era Armenians)
Saint Nick
Kris Kringle (KristKindl)

XI.- How Do You Say "Merry Christmas" in Other Languages. Give 10 Examples!

Shnorhavor Sourp Dznount (Armenian)
Feliz Navidad (Spanish)
Joyeux Noel (French)
Froehliche Weihnachten (German)
Kala Christouyenna! (Greek)
E'id Milad Sa'eed (Arabic)
Buone Feste Natalizie
Natali Hilare (Latin)
Merry Kehmish (Navaho)
Schaslivovo Rozhdestva (Russian)
Noelinis Kutlu Olsun (Turkish)

XII.- Identify All the Proper Names Associated with the Birth of Jesus;
Mentioning in what Capacity were They Associated with His Birth.

GABRIEL: The archangel who announced the immaculate conception to Mary
AUGUSTUS: The Roman Empire Caesar who proclaimed the general census
QUIRINIUS: The Roman Governor of Syria
HEROD: The pro-Roman Jewish king; who ordered all male children killed
MARY: The virgin betrothal of Joseph who gave birth to Jesus via immaculate conception
JOSEPH: The fiance of Mary, who was understanding and protective of Jesus' birth
KING DAVID: His lineage goes down to Mary; thus ensuring royal blood of Judah
BALTHAZAR, MELCHIOR, CASPAR: Per tradition those were names of the three magi...
ELISABETH: The cousin of Mary, who was also pregnant at the time to John (The Baptist)


SHNORHAVOR SOURP DZNOUNT!