Orthodixie

Here follows links to all the Orthodixie Christmas Podcasts.

And a timely reminder: If you enjoy the ministry of Ancient Faith Radio — of your charity, please consider a donation as we near [civil] year’s end.

Thank you.

(Pics in order, top to bottom: My oldest cheering to victory the Carolina Panthers over the home team last Sunday; my youngest elbowing another play participant; my son just before eating a shark; the unsuspecting — long-suffering — Mrs.)

Santa Claus in my son’s — and my own — imagination (12/1/07):

Here Comes Santa!

I set out on a search for the Baby Jesus (12/8/07):

Baby Jesus by the Chimney

Just a few more days until the Nativity feast. With the fast, the shopping, the preparations….how are you doin’? Let us prepare? Yes. But regardless of how prepared we are, let us be thankful (12/15/07):

‘Twas the Week Before Nativity

Every year at this time we reflect upon the true meaning of Christmas. Here, I show, from Holy Scripture and from the Church Fathers, that Christmas is all about …. clothing (12/22/07):

The Skinny

I join Sir Paul McCartney, Alvin Chipmunk, José Feliciano and other Wailers in a journey down memory lane — eschewing the worldly sounds of the seasonfor some really bad (ghostly) percussion moments. Are you prepared? (12/6/08):

Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas … Carol?

What do Charles Dickens, Buzz Lightyear, Vladimir Lossky, the Carolina Panthers, the Baltimore Colts, Angels, Shepherds, George Frideric Handel and Kawasaki all have in common? Surely to goodness nothing but this podcast! I am is visited by another “ghost.” (12/13/08):

The Ghost Of Past Christmas Presents

Okay, so the wife may not agree with my [re]posting this one, but (it was once “true”):

A vision of Bret Favre, along with the surprise of a Pittsburgh Steeler, join me (a husky seventh grade boy) on the playing field of … priestly ministry.

The Ghost Of Christmas Favre

And, last year’s contest winner:

The entries are in, the votes have been tallied — thanks to all who participated! We have three “winners”, Erin, Alex, and Adam: a kid’s story, and some kids telling stories.

Back When Christmas Was Younger

Most recently …

I bump into Mariah, the Grinch, and the Boston Pops, as he beats up a camera man, a mother, and a child—all in the name of “winter.”

Handel for Ho-Ho, Half Nelson for Noel, Hunger for Hesychia

A recollection of picking up a homeless Santa who helps the homeless (even grumpy clergy on their way home).

Last Year’s Santa Totes Gun, Sings Songs, Needs . . . Beer?

(By anticipation: Christ is Born!)

Today is the winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, and the astronomical event that has more rituals and ceremonies associated with it than any other. It is no coincidence that there are numerous holidays around the solstice, for the timing of these holidays is rooted in ancient religions. There is archaeological evidence that the solstice has been important to human cultures for at least 30,000 years; many ancient stone structures like Stonehenge are designed to pinpoint the precise date of the solstice, and many ancient peoples held festivals of light to bring about the return of summer’s longer days.

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Remember to keep the MASS in Christmas!
(I mean, THAT is what it’s all about, no?)

Image thanks to Dr. Elena Shoshitaishvili.

Houston has a goodly share of beggars and bridges. Most of the beggars – forgive me this – look the part, at home, if you will, under a bridge.

Some, however, do raise an eyebrow and serve to tempt:

“Why, he looks perfectly able and healthy – why can’t he get a job?!”

That one looked like Santa Claus.

Wha-?

I said, “That one looked like Santa Claus!”

Did you see him?

Then I realized I was talking to myself; it’d been one of those kinda weeks.

Sigh.

I was on my way home for the Advent Paraklesis service at church when, while turning left under a bridge, I spotted what looked to be Santa … begging.

“Now, wait a minute,” I thought!

He was holding a cardboard poster with some writing on it – but, thanks to the cold rain, I couldn’t quite make it out.

Hmmph. Not tonight, buddy! I didn’t give him anything. I mean, heck, he’s SANTA! What does one give Santa for Christmas?

Weird.

I just drove on past, making my way toward the highway …

My last glance caught a twinkle in his eye and a bit of smile on his lips and …

Y’all, his sign read NEED BEER.

What is this world coming to?

I squeezed in between …

The Orthodixie Podcast on Ancient Faith Radio.

Original posting – here.

Image (not related to podcast) Source

Sal Sberna offers a reflection on his blog, The Kingdom by Force – Life as a crumb on the diskos:

I can’t help it. Every year I get sucked into watching one more rendition of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Whether it’s the Muppets, George C. Scott or Patrick Stewart retelling the ubiquitous tale, my heart strings are gently pulled when I see Scrooge’s change of heart after his haunted Christmas Eve.

Nothing could be less Christian. Nothing could be more antithetical to the spirit of true repentance that the days leading up to Christmas try to engender in the faithful.

You see, the story is simply not true. I mean, obviously the plot is …

Read it all.

Image source