The most awaited and joyous time of the year has arrived. And more than just any material gifts, the blessings of God unwrapped for us were so precious and beautiful. We may have all experienced the sweetest joy, purest love, lasting peace, and the unwavering hope it brings.
We have been given the priviledge to journey and contemplate during the Advent season.
As we journey we can always see the example of John the Baptist. He is a man of humble heart while people love. He was famous, influencial and powerful having a massive followers but he chose to be simple and humble despite winning many hearts. He is not proud instead admits he is unworthy to untie the sandals of the one who will come after him.
I truly believe that we are all called for a particular purpose in life. John calls for repentance, others may have been called to serve God’s people wherever it may be, to touch lives, while some of us may have been blessed with wealth basically for the purpose of helping the poor and needy; Some may have been blessed with wisdom and understanding to promote justice and fairness, while others may have skills and talents to help build the kingdom of God on earth. We are all blessed uniquely different but fairly called by God to work in his vineyard.
I believe everything happens for a reason may it good or bad. Sometimes life is challenging because God wants us to realise where we go wrong, to see what areas of our lives need to be improved and strengthened. We may go through a lot of trials and errors and failures but God only wants us to be better and wiser in any way..
As I look back my life I know it was not easy, as if failures cannot be inumerated and it is univitable to be judged. We may have appeared strong and unwavering but battling in silence all the pressures and demands of life.
If we live life to meet the expectations of others, it can never be satisfied. But when we come to weigh things and realise what really matters after all is have peace of mind, live simply, do good things, and love without expecting to be loved back. Also, to serve the purpose of life God has planned for us. This may sound hard but I am sure the reward is great if we can understand that.
I have survived hurdles and obstractions on my way. I pray we all can surpass the challenges we will meet along the way as we face and traverse in a little while the road of year 2024. We can only make it if we allow the joy of baby Jesus shines the brightest in our lives.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
May our guiding star lead us to the right path of life. May his soft and gentle prompting gives us strengh and inspiration to go on no matter how tough the situation is. With our unwrapped gift, the source of life, joy, hope, love and peace we are ready to welcome with the loudest bang the year 2024.
Lynn Salinas-Batoliño
The Philippines
