"Christians must resist the godless and ungodly decrees and regulations of the kings, rulers and authorities of this world, whoever they may be and wherever they may be."

• Reverend Justin (Popovich)

A Call to Refocus and Surrender to Christ

Brothers and sisters,
There comes a time in all our lives when we feel pulled by the weight of the world—its promises, its pleasures, its constant demands. We often find ourselves consumed by the need to fulfill our bodily desires, seeking love, acceptance, and significance in all the wrong places. We chase these things, believing they will fill the void in our hearts, but instead, they only leave us more empty.

This is the enemy’s strategy—distraction after distraction. The devil plants seeds of doubt, insecurity, and discontentment, leading us to believe that what we need is here on earth, in fleeting pleasures and human approval. The circle spins, and we find ourselves trapped in a cycle of sin, shame, and striving.

But let me remind you of the truth: Jesus is the answer. He sees you. He knows you. He understands the desires of your heart. And in Him, you will find the love, the acceptance, and the belonging you’ve been searching for all along. While the world offers distractions, Jesus offers true rest for your soul.

Yes, we are human, and we fall into sin. But here is the good news: when you fall, don’t stay down. Get back up. Go to confession. Lay it all before the Lord. Surrender your pain, your failures, your distractions, and your desires to Him.

Jesus is always waiting for you with open arms. His love for you is unconditional. His mercy knows no limits. His grace is sufficient for every moment of weakness. It doesn’t matter how far you’ve strayed or how deep you’ve fallen into sin—He will always welcome you home.

So, stop spinning in the devil’s cycle. Remember who you are and whose you are. You belong to Christ. The moment you surrender your heart to Him, He fills the emptiness with His love, His peace, and His purpose.

Let us, therefore, turn our eyes from the distractions of this world and fix them on the One who never fails. Seek Jesus in prayer. Meet Him in the sacraments. Listen to His Word. Let Him remind you that you are loved, you are accepted, and you are important—not because of anything you do, but because of who He is.

Come back to Him today. He is waiting for you with open arms, ready to remind you of the truth: in Him, you are complete.

Amen.

So it's Christmas today in Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches

So it's Christmas today in
Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches