I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the holy Spirit and fire. - Luke 3:18

REJOICE! EXULT! SHOUT FOR JOY! THE LORD IS NEAR! Our translation, "Yehey! It's Christmas time!" Christmas decors everywhere. Beautiful lights are carefully arranged on walls and on Christmas trees. Mothers are busy buying gifts at the malls while others are busy wrapping gifts for the manitos and manitas.

There's just so much preparation happening for the most awaited Christmas Eve. It's true, these kind of preparations bring joy to us. However, these acts are just external preparations for that Big Day. What can truly bring us lasting happiness is our Internal (inner) preparation as we anticipate the coming of the Lord. 

The Gospel reading for today rightfully speaks of this inner preparation. 

When many people we're about to believe that John the Baptist was the Messiah -the one who shall reign forever and bring salvation to God's people, he chose to do what is right and what God's mission is for him. He reminded people that there is one Mightier than him. John was preparing the way for Jesus' coming. He told people to change their bad old habits. In fact he was bold enough to address people of different levels in life, a layman, a tax collector, and a soldier of high status. 

And we must admit, John didn't just remind these men in the bible to repent, but also us, living in the present. He is reminding us that before the Lord comes, "kailangan na natin magbago." He is telling us to be just, to be generous to our brothers and sisters, especially to those who are in need not just this Christmas season but "From Now On"

When we feel like we are incapable of changing to be better and when we even say to ourselves "ang hirap magbago kasi ganito na talaga ako", St Paul reminds us that "Hey, don't cha worry child" God can help you transform and you shall find peace in the end.  "Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus".

That is God's great reward to all His children - His Unthinkable, everlasting PEACE. So don’t lose heart, "kaya mo magbago, by God's grace". So, let's change for the better, let's love more, FROM NOW ON. :) 

- Leizel Taton

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