Always Glad

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/123114.cfm) reminds me that we should always be glad because God is everywhere.

As we end the year, we also see the readings tell us that the end is near. Come to think of it, everyday we are getting one day closer to the end. On the other hand, we see in the gospel that God was there from the beginning. This is a great reminder that God is with us always – from the beginning until the end.

Children, it is the last hour;

and just as you heard that the antichrist was coming,

so now many antichrists have appeared.

Thus we know this is the last hour.

….

In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

He was in the beginning with God.

All things came to be through him,

and without him nothing came to be.

Knowledge of God should make us glad.

The psalmist echoes this: Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

No matter what the situation is. No mater how tough it may be, or how happy it is, God is always there. It is an assurance, especially during tough times, that God is there, so this should make us glad knowing our God is always with us.

As we end the year, we have experienced a lot. A lot of joys and triumphs, and a lot of hardships and challenges as well. But throughout all these things, in all situations, there is one thing constant – God. We should never forget that he is always with us, and will always be with us whatever we go through in life.

May we always be glad, knowing that whatever we go through, God is with us.

What are the most memorable moments of 2014 for me – both joys and sorrows? Did I feel God being with me all throughout the year? How?  What can I do to make his presence more alive and real in my life? What does knowledge of Him being always there bring me?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day. And thank you for another year. As we close this year, I want to thank you for always being with my in my journey. Thank you for all the joys and triumphs I experienced in my life. Thank you for your goodness. Thank you for reminding me how loving you are and how loved I am. I also thank you for all the challenges and hardships, for these things made me stronger and made me cling to you more. Lord, I ask that you continue to be patient with me, that you continue to be with me and mold be until I become more and more like you. May I continue to walk in faith and walk with you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

It Takes Time

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/123014.cfm) reminds me to be patient with God’s plans.

Everything worthwhile takes time. A tree takes years growing its roots to become a strong and mighty tree. An athlete takes months, weeks or even years training and preparing to be in the best condition. No tree grows overnight, and no athlete gets to top condition in an hour. It takes time, effort, hardwork and patience to get to their full potential.

If we want God’s best, we have to learn how to wait.

She never left the temple,
but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.
And coming forward at that very time,
she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child
to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem

…..

The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;
and the favor of God was upon him.

In the gospel, the prophetess Anna never left the temple and prayed day and night. Wild. It took time, effort and patience to be where she is – spiritually. It did not happen overnight, but when she saw Jesus, it was well worth it. Also, we see that Jesus did not become a wise man overnight. It took him 30 years of growing, learning, waiting, before God told him to start his ministry. God’s best takes time. That time is necessary to grow, improve, and build a strong foundation. But when God’s plans come into fruition, it will be all worth it.

We all have prayers we want to happen. It is very hard to wait, we want things done right away. We want God’s plans to happen right away. We feel we are ready. And looking at others make it worse – we feel envious that they seem to have more than us, or that God’s best is given them already. We don’t know God’s reason, but we just need to trust his wisdom.

God cannot give us what we cannot handle – be it problems or blessings. Some people get things right away because they do it their way, they do it the world’s way which sometimes result to problems since they’re not ready. We need to wait for God’s perfect timing. And while we do, we just need to do our part, to be patient and do our best to prepare for great blessings will send our way.

What things am I praying for? Why do I want them so much? What is God telling me? What should be my reaction while I still don’t have them? How should I prepare myself while waiting for God’s time?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Lord, I pray that you help me be patient. It’s hard, Lord, because I want things to happen my way. But I would just trust in you. I would just surrender and let you have control of my life. While I wait, I will do my best to prepare, work hard, and be faithful to you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

Sharing a song about waiting that inspires me…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cH9LhNrXhFo

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2011/11/i-will-serve-you-while-im-waiting.html

In The Light

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/122914.cfm) reminds me what it takes for us to be in the light.

The first reading reminds us that if we want to really be and stay in the light, we need to live a life consistent to it. It is not a one time decision or once a year action. We cannot say we love Jesus and are followers of Him if we do not live like it. Being a true Christian is more than just saying it. We need to live it everyday. This is what it takes to live in the light of Christ.

Whoever says he is in the light,
yet hates his brother, is still in the darkness.
Whoever loves his brother remains in the light,

In the gospel, we see a man living this. Simeon was a righteous and devout man, and we see that the Spirit is with him. We can tell that he is living a life consistent with Christ’s values, as shown when he recognized Jesus in the temple. If we live right, if we live in the light, then we will recognize God visiting us. We will recognize God when he comes to us, no matter what form he takes – be it as a helpless child, a person in need, or an annoying person who needs comfort and understanding.

Christmas day is over, and for some, today is another working day. The last one for the year. However, may we never forget the essence of Christmas. Though the day is over, may we continue to live the values of Christmas. It is easy to profess our faith. What’s more challenging is actually living it day by day. May we be inspired and challenged by the Word today to strive to live a life of faith, to live a life in the light of Christ.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for this last working day of the year. Thank you for being patient with me. Lord, I ask that you help me live and stay in the light. There are a lot of things that distract me in living a life you want me to. Give me the grace and the strength to remain consistent with your word, to live a life pleasing to you, to live and stay in the light and shine with you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection and you tube video of a related song:

http://youtu.be/CWq1XYxtlRs

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CWq1XYxtlRs

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/12/be-in-light.html

Holy Family

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/122814.cfm) reminds me how important family is, especially for God.

The basic unit of society is the family. It is very important, although nowadays there are a lot of things and forces that threaten the family. Unfortunately, some (or a lot) of people now give more importance to the self rather than family. Self first. If things are not doing well between spouses, instead of working together to improve things, they just opt to separate – which affects especially the children. Some people love themselves too much, that sex is done outside marriage or even if they feel they’re not ready to have a baby, and when something happens, they choose themselves and let go of the baby.

Today, we are reminded how much God values family.

The fourth commandment, the first pertaining to human beings, tell us to honor our parents. In the first reading we see again how important respecting parents are. Aside from it being a commandment of God, doing it has a lot of promised rewards. Indeed, no matter how imperfect our parents may be, God wants us to honor, respect, serve and love them. 

God sets a father in honor over his children;

a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons.

Whoever honors his father atones for sins,

and preserves himself from them.

When he prays, he is heard;

he stores up riches who reveres his mother.

Whoever honors his father is gladdened by children,

and, when he prays, is heard.

Whoever reveres his father will live a long life;

he who obeys his father brings comfort to his mother.

My son, take care of your father when he is old;

grieve him not as long as he lives.

Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him;

revile him not all the days of his life;

kindness to a father will not be forgotten,

firmly planted against the debt of your sins

—a house raised in justice to you.

The gospel shows us that Jesus, God’s only Son, had an earthly family. He had earthly parents. This shows us how important family is to God, that he gave his Son an earthly family. The second reading explicitly says how God wants us to value family.

Wives, be subordinate to your husbands,

as is proper in the Lord.

Husbands, love your wives,

and avoid any bitterness toward them.

Children, obey your parents in everything,

for this is pleasing to the Lord.

Fathers, do not provoke your children,

so they may not become discouraged.

May we always be thankful for the gift of family. May we always see the importance of family and always look at our parents with high respect and authority. 

Am I thankful for my family? What things have I realized today? How can I improve my family? How can I love my parents more? Am I willing to raise a family like the Holy Family – founded on God?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Sunday. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for the gift of family. Thank you for using my family to make me feel your love. I am sorry for the times I take my family for granted. I am sorry for the times I fail to treat my parents the way you want me to. I pray that you help me be a better person, to be a better child or parent to my family.  May I be able to show to my parents, my children, and my family how important they are and how much I love them.  Amen. 

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Share His Love

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/122714.cfm) reminds me that true love is meant to be shared.

In the first reading we see John saying that their joy would only be complete if they would be able to share the good news to others, if they would be able to share God to others. And in the psalm, we are asked to rejoice in the Lord.

what we have seen and heard
we proclaim now to you,
so that you too may have fellowship with us;
for our fellowship is with the Father
and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
We are writing this so that our joy may be complete.

Knowing God is not for one's gain and appreciation only. Knowing God brings joy, but sharing God to others would bring even greater joy. That is why we are called to share God to others too - to share our stories, our encounters and our faith with others.

Sharing the love, sharing Jesus, is not through preaching only. They say actions speak louder than words. When we do good and help others; when we are constantly trying to do good and be honest; when we continue to be happy and peaceful despite all the challenges we encounter - then that's when we really share God. Why? because That's when people will wonder - what God is this person serving? Why is he so happy and peaceful? Why is she genuinely good? I want to be like him. I want to know his God.

May be inspired by St John, the disciple Jesus loved so much, and be moved to share God's love and kingdom not just with words, but by our actions, by our lives.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for loving me, Lord. I pray that I have a heart like St John, who found great joy in sharing you to others. Despite all things I am encountering, may I find joy and peace in you. May I bring you to others not just with my words, but more importantly and more powerfully, with my life. Amen.

Blessed weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/06/john-316.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/12/spread-love.html

Stand Up Everyday

The WORD Today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/122614.cfm) reminds me that we should stand up for God everyday.

Here in the Philippines, Christmas is not just a day. It is a season. They say that we have one of the longest (if not the longest) celebrations of Christmas. When September comes in, we already start to hear Christmas songs, and some start to put up decors and santa claus. In the same way, the real essence of Christmas should last more than just a day. It is sad when at the end of December 25, people would say “so this is Christmas” or “just like that, Christmas is over.” All the days and weeks and months of preparation for Christmas should no end on December 25.

We should live Christmas everyday.

It is by no accident that the day after Christmas, we commemorate the feast day of St Stephen, the first martyr. Like what Jesus told Peter, James and John in the mountain during transfiguration, he too is telling us to go down the mountain, back to our daily lives, and continue to live the spirit of Christmas, the spirit of love – and continue to stand up for God.

God loves us so much, and us feeling that love should move us to love him back.

They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him.
The witnesses laid down their cloaks
at the feet of a young man named Saul.
As they were stoning Stephen, he called out
“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit

Stephen died for his faith. He was not forced to. He probably could have run away from the people, but he chose not to. He chose to stand up for his faith. In the same way, we are called to be like Stephen. We do not need to be martyrs to show God we love him, that we appreciate his coming to save us, and that we are grateful. We should, little by little, everyday, make a decision to stand up for him - to honor him and live for him.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for bringing me back to reality. Thank you for all the gifts which you, the Celebrant, continue to give me. Lord I pray that I have faith like Stephen. May I focus on you and your glory, instead of focusing on my pains and complaining. Help me stand up for you everyday. Help me live for you and die of myself, so that you may live in me, and through me. Amen.

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/12/will-you-do-too.html

CHRISTmas 2014

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/122514-night-mass.cfm) tells us that it is finally here. After weeks of preparing and waiting for Jesus, we now commemorate his coming. In the first reading, Isaiah says: For a child is born to us, a son is given us (Isaiah 9:6). Eto na yun. God’s immense love for us made concrete by his sending of his one and only Son to save us from our sins. He even allowed his Son to be born in a manger, with the animals, because he loves us.

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.

‘Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.

I haven’t given much attention to this song before. For me, it was just one of those normal Christmas songs that have been there for ages. However, taking a closer look at the lyrics, this actually encapsulates Christmas:

‘Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.

It’s Christmas. We’ve been preparing and waiting for several weeks. And we all have different feeling towards this day. Others may have been blessed by attending the “Misa De Gallo” or “Simbang Gabi” every 4AM for 9 consecutive days. Others may have been blessed by helping out others who were struck by calamity – because it gave them an opportunity to serve, help out, and be Christ to others. Others may have been blessed by reading His word, praying, reflecting and taking the sacraments. Those are all great feelings. But how about others? What about those who were so stressed preparing gifts, cooking food, arranging get-togethers,  that they did not realize it’s already Christmas? How about those who got so engrossed with the year-end responsibilities at work and requirements for a January deadline that they forgot about Christmas? How about those who did their best, prepared spiritually for this, yet do not seem to feel an effect on their lives?

Good news! It’s never too late! Preparing does not end at Christmas Day. More important than preparing for Christmas, it should continue even after Christmas.

Jesus was born in a stable, probably a dirty one, together with animals. This shows external appearance is not so important to him. What’s important is the owners welcomed them. Are we welcoming him as well? IF you haven’t been preparing, ok lang, never too late. If kulang pa yung preparation, ok lang, never too late. If parang walang epekto, ok lang, never too late, dasal pa. Let us hang on to his promise in Jeremiah:  If you seek me you’ll find me, if you seek me with all of your heart (Jeremiah 29:13).

What is important to God is we welcome him, we allow Him to stay in us, no matter how unprepared, no matter how dirty, no matter how unworthy our heart is for Him. IF we allow him to stay, if we welcome him, if we allow him to do whatever he wants, he will use us mightily, and we would glorify God by it, and the more we continue doing these, the more our soul will feel its worth.

Father God,

Thank you for this day. Thank you for coming into this world as a little child born in a stable in a little town of Bethlehem. Father, thank you for not being intimidating. Thank you for humbling yourself so we could relate to you. Thank you for your great love for us. Lord, my heart is not so clean. Madumi sya, madami pa kailangang ayusin at linisin. But Lord, however unworthy I am, I ask, I beg you to come into my life, into my heart. Make the most out of it. Fill it with your love, that I may always realize how special I am to you. I ask that you grant me the grace to see myself the way you see me – beautiful, worthy of your love, capable of doing good. I ask that you continuously use me to do your work, and this CHRISTmas and always, may I always remember who this is for, who should come first, who my attention and focus should be. Amidst all the technological advancements and worldly distractions, may I never lose my focus on you, on the real essence of Christmas. Amen.

Let’s not forget the REASON for the SEASON and keep CHRIST in CHRISTmas!

Have a Merry and Blessed Christmas!

In Christ,

-g-

Continue

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/122414.cfm) reminds me that we should continue to let God use us.

Acting like a Christian is not a once in a lifetime decision. It is an everyday, continuous decision. We have to constantly choose to follow God. We have to constantly allow God to change us, and to use us.

The readings show us people who continuously allow God to use them. In the first reading, we see David, a former shepherd who was used by God in many ways, and eventually was made a king of his people. In the gospel we see Zechariah’s canticle, his profession of faith and love. After doubting God and being silenced, he eventually gave praises to God with his words, with his life.

This Christmas season,  we should not stop preparing for him. Regardless or not we feel we have prepared enough for Him this year, we should not stop on Christmas day, but be motivated to continue and prepare for his eventual coming.

We should also continue to let God use us and change us We should continue to allow him to use us to help other people, especially the survivors of the recent typhoon Ruby. There are everyday things we should do to improve ourselves -  obey the rules and be honest even if other people do not. be generous and selfless even if other people are not, confess and be at peace with God, ourselves and others, even if other people cannot. As we do so, God will continue to live through us, and we will be a representation of Jesus to others around us, and He will continue to be present in us and through us.

How have I prepared for Christmas this year? Did I lose sight of the reason for this season? Did I allow myself to get busy and stressed that I did not devote enough time for prayer and sacraments as I prepare for Him? How can I continue to prepare for Jesus’ coming in my life? How can I continue to allow Him to change me? Am I willing?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for all the blessings. Thank you for all the love. Thank you for all the guidance and protection. Lord, I pray that you give me a heart that would continue to let you use me and mold me to be more like you. May I not stop preparing, even after Christmas. I pray that in my own little way, you would be able to use me and make me Jesus to others. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/12/let-him.html

Purified

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/122314.cfm) reminds me that purification is a painful process.

The first reading struck me, as it reminded me a story I read a few years before…

For he is like the refiner's fire,
or like the fuller's lye.
He will sit refining and purifying silver,
and he will purify the sons of Levi,
Refining them like gold or like silver
that they may offer due sacrifice to the LORD.

The story below helps me understand more the verse. It made me realize that this is God’s way of preparing me, or purifying me. The process may be painful and challenging, but it is comforting and assuring to know that during the entire process, he keeps his eye on me, reminding me of his promise that I will not be given problems more than I can handle. I know he will continue to purify me until he can see his face in me, which makes everything well worth it.

In the gospel, we see how Zechariah’s purification ended. In God’s perfect time, things became better for him. He may have suffered as Elizabeth was pregnant, but true to the first reading, he was purified so he can offer due sacrifice to God. And when he said that the child’s name is John, he spoke blessing God, and holy fear came to their town.

As Christmas comes, may we continue to allow God to prepare us the way he wants to. This may entail pain, but we should just trust in Him, and know that all he wants is the best for us. Even if we feel pain, let us remember that he is holding us the entire time, and he knows exactly what we can handle, he knows when to take us out.. Faith lang =)

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Thank you for all the blessings. Lord, I thank you for your protection. A lot of times life may be challenging, and I know you are purifying me. And I know the whole time, your eyes are fixed on me, watching me and protecting me, making sure that I will not be subjected to more than what I can handle. May I be faithful as I allow you to purify me as I focus on the end, when you will be able to see your face in me. Amen.

Blessed day!

---------

Malachi 3 says: 'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.'

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what
this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver
and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to
watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for
her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining
Silver.

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the
fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one
needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames
were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she
thought again about the verse that says: 'He sits as a refiner and
purifier of silver.' She asked the silversmith if it was true that he
had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was
being refined.

The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the
silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it
was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the
flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith,
'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?'

He smiled at her and answered, 'Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it.'

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2011/12/refiner-and-purifier-of-silver.html

Say Thanks

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/122214.cfm) reminds me that we should never forget to thank God for all the blessings he has given us.

It is easy to promise and say things to God when we are in need. However, keeping these promises once our prayers are granted is a different story.  Not everyone holds up their end of the promise, especially when the need, desire, or prayer has been granted. Today, we are reminded and inspired not to forget God when things are doing well.

In the first reading, we see Hannah bringing her son and keeping true to her promise of consecrating her son to God, left him in the temple. In the gospel, we see Mama Mary saying praises to God, and stayed to serve her cousin Elizabeth despite being pregnant herself.

God will not benefit from our thank you to him. He does not need our thank you. His power will not be less if we do not thank him. However, he loves us so much, and he knows that a sincere thank you stems from a grateful and a heart in the right place, a heart that knows who He is and who we are. A heart that knows and loves Him. That’s what he wants from us.

May we never forget to thank him and serve him, especially when we already have what we want, and when things are doing well.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another week. Lord, I ask that you help me become a grateful servant. May I do my best to be true to my word, no matter what the situation may be. As I start a new week, I thank you for all the blessings you have given me, and I thank you for all the blessings you will give me. Amen.

Blessed week!

In Christ,

-g-

Yes!

  

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/122114.cfm) reminds me that we should always say yes to God

When I was new to the community, my shepherd would always tell me that whenever I am asked to do things, to serve, or to take on responsibility, the answer should always be yes. “Yes lang ng yes”. Always say yes, even if you don’t know how you would do it. Just say yes even if you have concerns. Just say yes even if you doubt if you can do it.

This is what Mama Mary did. This is what God wants us to do.

Mary’s Fiat, her “yes” to God was the start of her powerful life of service to God. It became the start of God using her intensely for His purpose.

Mary was surprised when the angel visited her, much more when the angel addressed her as “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” She was even more surprised when the angel told her God’s plan. Yes, she asked a question, but eventually said yes. She may not know what she’s getting herself into. She probably knew the consequences of saying “yes” during that time, being pregnant outside marriage is a grave offense. She would be stoned for it. But she still said yes to God’s plan. She trusted in God so much, that even if there were doubts, even if there were questions, even if there were possible consequences of her yes, she still gave it to God. That’s faith. That’s grace.

Saying Yes is a sign of great faith in God.

Today is the last Sunday before Christmas. We have been preparing for four weeks already. We should have prepared our hearts and our lives for God. Now, we are reminded what we should do after preparing for Him. Now is the invitation to actually say “Yes” to God, to allow him to use us for whatever purpose he sees fit. Saying yes to God is not actually beneficial to him, but to us! Pope Francis tells us: “Every time we give in to selfishness and say no to God, we spoil his loving plan for us.”

Do I always give my “fiat” to God, even if I don’t fully understand what He is asking of me? What is hindering me from always saying “yes” to God’s call? Do I trust God completely with my life, knowing that He loves me so much? Do I have faith that like the angel said in the gospel, nothing is impossible with God?

Father God,

Thank you today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Sunday. Lord, for loving me so much. Thank you for giving me what I do not deserve. Thank you for Mama Mary, Jesus’ earthly mother, for you used her to bring salvation to us. Thank you for her example. Sorry for the times I make up excuses to say no to you. Sorry for the times I let my fear and concerns win over my faith in you. I ask that you help me be like her. May we open up ourselves and our lives and allow you to use us for your purpose, for your glory. Lord, we know how powerful a spoken word is, and we ask that we always give our “yes” to you, so you can use us for your purpose too. May I live my life like Mary, submitting my will to yours, and trusting in you completely. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Sign

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/122014.cfm) reminds me that God sent the ultimate sign for us on Christmas.

It is not uncommon for people to ask for a sign from God. As human beings, we want to have tangible feedback from God, that’s why we ask for signs, and God knows this. The first reading tells us:

The LORD spoke to Ahaz:
Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God;
let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky!

However, Ahaz knew he should not tempt God, that He should have faith. Isaiah confirms this, and tells us the sign of God

But Ahaz answered,
"I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!"
Then Isaiah said:
Listen, O house of David!
Is it not enough for you to weary men,
must you also weary my God?
Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign:
the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and shall name him Emmanuel.

We look for God’s sign or approval in different aspects of our lives. As we prepare for school or work, we want to know where God wants us to go. We want to know if we are doing the right thing and making the right decision. During times of insecurities, we want to know if we are really loved. During calamities and times of challenges, we want to know that we are protected. God knows this, so He has given the ultimate sign for us. A sign of his great, unconditional love for us. A sign of his humility. A sign of his strength.. A sign of his power. A sign of might. A sign of his protection

Jesus is the ultimate sign of God.

God sent Jesus because he loves us, even if we are sinners, even if we are unworthy of that love. Jesus came as a carpenter’s son, born in a stable – reminding us that he is humble of heart, and he loves us so much he is willing to take human form to relate to us better, to know us better, and for us to relate to him and know him better. God conquered the world – he sent Jesus and defeated sin and death because of that love for us, because he is the only one who can do that. He wants to protect us from the evil one, and he continues to do so.

Whatever sign we are looking for, we can find it in God sending Jesus for us. When we don’t know what to do, let us continue to pray and seek God’s will as a sign of our humility and faith in Him. Let us not ask for mighty signs from God that confirms what we want, but be humble and willing to seek his will and obey it, even if it is not what we would have wanted.

As we prepare for Christmas, may we continue to seek God’s will in our lives. May we continue to be humble and prepare our hearts to be ready for him – for his will, for his coming.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for sending your Son Jesus for us. Thank you for loving me so much. Lord, I pray that you help me increase my faith, and as I continue to prepare for Christmas, may I always be open and receptive of you. Amen.

Blessed weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2011/12/do-you-see-sign.html