St. James Orthodox Church
1651 Horizon Parkway, Suite 400, Buford, Georgia 30518
"Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you." (James 4:8)
/ Media / Articles / Our Lord is coming to change us! Let us prepare ourselves.

Our Lord is coming to change us! Let us prepare ourselves.

As we enter into the year-end holiday season, it's more important than ever to seriously examine our priorities. So many activities beckon us--parties, trips, children, entertainment--our schedules seem more packed than ever! Yet, as we approach the sacred time of Advent, and enter into the fast of the Nativity, it is imperative to spend a greater, not lesser, amount of time in pursuance of the "one thing needful". For despite the plethora of distractions that beset us all in this wonderful season, we must never forget that without the impending entrance of our Lord Jesus Christ into the history of humankind by His gracious choice to show His love for all of us in becoming a man, there would be nothing for the world to celebrate! It is precisely because of His presence among us that this time of the year is so important to so many people, whether for those believing in our Lord or those who ignore Him.

Yet even among those rejecting HIs message, or simply ignorant of it, the needs of the world increase, and as Orthodox Christians we are bound by His commandments to assist them. This starts first and foremost with our own commitment to our faith and the consequent mandate to practice it in its fullness. We must direct our efforts to the worship of our local community in Christ, for this common prayer where "two or three are gathered in my name" is the most powerful expression of our love and concern for the entire world--there is no single more important act in our lives than our common worship, and we must attend to it with participation in the Holy Mysteries of Confession and Holy Communion. Our home prayer lives also should include extending time for this activity as well as daily reading and study of the Sacred Scriptures and other spiritual books.

Finally, remember the poor and less fortunate around us, as this season only magnifies their plight. Almsgiving covers a multitude of sins, but brings benefit to the giver and the recipient. Take to time to contact or assist someone in need, even for only a friendly word. Remember the charitable activities of our parish and be generous in your giving. In your person you manifest Jesus Christ to other persons. May the Lord bless us all, and the whole world, as He deigns to appear among us! Christ is coming--be prepared to greet Him at the manger.

Services & Events

My Online Donation to Saint James Mission!

Sunday Bulletin

The Evangelion

Father Steven's Hidden Saints

7 Dec 2023 at 7:47pm

10 Nov 2023 at 4:16pm

Fr. Steven's Life of the Church Today

The Life of the Church Today
The Life of the Church Today