First Sunday Of The Holy Nativity - Sunday, January 18, 2026

“Making the most of the time, because the days are evil.”
(Ephesians 5:16)

These words are more relevant today than ever before. The Apostle Paul urges us to live consciously, not wasting the most precious gift given to humanity - time. It is like a flowing river that never returns, and within it lies the value of every moment of our lives.

When the Apostle says, “the days are evil,” he refers not only to external dangers and temptations but also to the inner darkness and distractions that draw people away from God. In our time, these words sound even more powerful, for the world today is full of distractions - meaningless talk, time-consuming social media, and materialistic pursuits. We often rush after everything and everyone, forgetting the One who is the Lord of time.

God has given us time not merely to exist but to live with purpose. To use time wisely means to value each day as an opportunity - to do good, to forgive, to pray, to love, to grow, and to serve. When a person realizes that every second could be their last, the heart begins to live with gratitude and intention; one learns to live fully and responsibly.

God reminds us of His unchanging truth, as written in the Book of Ecclesiastes:
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
These words show that God governs time and that every moment has its purpose. There is a time to work and to rest, a time to speak and to keep silent, a time to rejoice and to weep. Yet above all, there is a time to discern the Lord’s will and to live according to His plan.

The Apostle Paul’s call, “Do not be foolish,” is not a rebuke but a loving awakening. A fool is one who spends his time without purpose, while the wise seek to know the Lord’s will. As long as we live and breathe, God gives us the chance to turn our days into days of light - through our deeds, our words, and our hearts.

Today, as the world changes faster than ever, it is essential to pause and ask ourselves: Why do I live? Does my time serve a good purpose? Does it fulfill God’s will? When our time aligns with God’s will, it becomes not merely a sequence of passing days, but a life of eternal value.

Deacon MIKAYEL MARGARYAN