We are now at the Fourth Sunday of Advent and in a few days, we will be celebrating Christmas, the reason of our Advent preparation where we were asked to prepare for the coming of the Lord. We welcome Him with great joy and thanksgiving that we give Him honor and praise, not only in worship when we come to church, but also in our homes, in our hearts and even in dealing with others. For instance, when we give Jesus a space in our homes and in our hearts, remembering His blessings to us and sharing those blessings with others, we praise and honor Him. When we decorate our homes with Christmas decorations for Jesus and give gifts to others, especially those in need, we praise and honor Him. Whatever we do then for Christmas, let this be our expression of praise, honor, joy and gratitude to Jesus for giving us the reason for this celebration. 

Last Sunday, I shared with you stories regarding my fellowmen in the Philippines, including my family, who were badly affected by the typhoon, earthquake and recent flooding that made their lives hard and painful, especially this coming Christmas. They suffered much loss. They lost their homes, their livelihood and for some, their loved ones. They struggle to live and rebuild. It was indeed hard to be in such situations. It pains your heart to see them suffering and struggling, especially when some of them are related to you. Sometimes you think whether God is fair because He allows suffering to those who are innocent and already suffering due to poverty.

For those of you who prayed and extended help for my family and those affected by the calamities in the Philippines, thank you. May the good Lord bless you for your kindness and generosity as you become a blessing for others.

Reflecting on Christmas Day, the day when Jesus was born, I realized that what Jesus went through, as well as Mary and Joseph, was not that easy either. They also experienced lots of pain and suffering. The travelling that Mary and Joseph endured in order to flee from the threat of the king, the cold nights they had to suffer, the lack of homes for Mary to give birth and many others. All of these they bore with patience and humility. And because they obeyed and trusted God more than themselves, they were blessed and taught us those virtues.

We are grateful to St. Joseph and Our Blessed Mother because as God blessed them with Jesus, they also shared that greatest blessing with us. We have Jesus that we can call as Our Lord and Savior.

Joining the angels, we give praise and thanks to Him and say, Glory to God in the highest and peace to His people on earth. Merry Christmas!