Our Advent Preparation

Dear Young People,

Already we are in the fourth week of Advent, a time set aside to prepare to celebrate Christmas. One may wonder what kind of prearations are needed for Christmas. I'm sure since "Black Friday" many people have been shopping, buying new stuff as presents for family, friends and also for themselves. Many of us still have been moving stuff from the closet, basement or attic to make way for decorations. When ever I drive in our neighborhood I see beautiful decorations of light and other symbols pointing to Christmas. Christmas is about Jesus Christ, the Son of God born to save us. So what we are preparing ourselves and our homes for is to celebrate the birth day of Jesus Christ. His birth changed the world because he came to teach us love of God and love for one another. I think it is certainly an event we must celebrate with pop and pagentry. But, wait a minute, were are we in our lives to prepare for Christ. We have heard in church in the past weeks how John the Baptizer preached and invited his country men and woman to prepare them selves in readiness for Jesus Christ the one who comes to save the world. They responded with eagerness to the call. They repented and submitted themselves to baptism. They asked John the Baptizer what they should do as a way to prepare themselves to see the Savior. John told them in simple terms to share, to care and be kind with one another.

My young people we can also make a good preparation for Christmas; we can decorate and give gifts to other people. But more importantly, we can leave a space in our hearts for Jesus Christ. A space that he will fill with his love, humility, kindness, caring and happiness for us and the world. I invite you from now until Christmas day to care about other people. Be kind to others and try as much as possible to share your life with others. We can make a good preparation for Christmas. It is not to late, you have a week to go. Step up your preparations and be truly ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Take care and stay tuned for next week's posting. God Bless You.