By Joan Berg, OCAN Board Chair
It’s that time of year, again, when we reflect on our professional successes and lessons learned and prepare for a fresh start in the new year. Similarly, we are provided an opportunity to ponder as we prepare for the Feast of the Nativity.
From childhood, the period between Thanksgiving and the Feast of Epiphany has been a time of excitement, reflection, gratitude, and renewed joy: we are granted the profound gift of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. In the busyness of life and the rush of the holiday season, it is important to pause and remember the true source of our thanksgiving: Christ’s incarnation, His coming to dwell among us, and the salvation He brings to all who believe.
Thankfulness is more than just a feeling; it is an easily adopted good habit. It is the attitude with which we approach each day, recognizing that every good thing in our lives is a gift from God. The Apostle Paul instructs us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” In these words, we are reminded that our thankfulness is not tied to our circumstances or to the fleeting moments of happiness we experience, but to the unchanging reality of God's love and His work of salvation through Jesus Christ.
The birth of Jesus Christ is the ultimate reason for our thankfulness. It is through this miraculous event—God becoming flesh—that we receive the gift of reconciliation with God. As the angels declared to the shepherds on that first Christmas night, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). The coming of Christ marked the fulfillment of God’s promise to send a Savior to redeem humanity from sin and death.
As Orthodox attorneys, we are particularly mindful of the need to extend this thankfulness beyond ourselves.
Christ’s birth is not merely a personal blessing; it is a gift for the whole world. Jesus came not just to be the Savior of a particular group, but for all people—regardless of race, nationality, or social status. This gift of grace compels us to share the message of hope and love that we have received. We are called to serve others, especially the marginalized and the needy, just as Christ came to serve us.
In a world that often emphasizes materialism and self-centered pursuits, the birth of Christ redirects our focus. We, as attorneys, are particularly blessed to bear the gifts of our profession and the unique opportunity to share those gifts with our parishes and our communities.
This season, may we give thanks with full hearts. Let us express our gratitude to God not only in words but in deeds. May we serve those around us, share the hope of Christ, and allow His love to flow through us to a world in desperate need of His light. As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, may we be reminded that the greatest gift we can offer is the gift of love and the message of salvation found in Jesus Christ alone.
Let us be thankful, not just in this season, but always, for the indescribable gift of Christ’s birth.