BE PREPARED

Today is Third Sunday of Advent

Matthew 11:10

This is He of Whom it is written, “Behold, I send my messenger before Thy face, who shall prepare Thy way before Thee.”

I was a barangay (village) secretary before, while my father is a councilor. Before every meetings, he would ask me to go early to the barangay hall to arrange everything – blackboard, chalks, PA system, microphones, etc. If there are already people present, I shall discuss with them the agenda for that day and give them a glimpse of what is happening in our barangay. When the barangay captain (leader) arrives, all will be ready and the people already have an idea about the meeting and could prepare and ask questions intelligently.

St. John the Baptist is the greatest messenger of all times, for he heralded and prepared the way for the Lord Jesus Christ. He went through all the places around the Jordan river, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Crowds of people came confessing their sins and he baptized them in the Jordan River. John always spoke the truth, even when people didn't want to hear it. He fearlessly confronted King Herod with the evil things he had done. Eventually, this stand for the truth cost John his life.

John's purpose was to prepare the people to accept Jesus. Could you help someone to accept Jesus as they see His love living in You?

Lord Jesus, You are the way, the truth and the life. As the celebration of Your nativity draws near, may we continuously prepare our hearts to fully accept You as our Lord and our King. And as we wait for Your glorious second coming, may we continuously prepare ourselves, through Your mercy and grace, to join You in eternal life.

Oh Lord, we are Your workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which You prepared beforehand. This Christmas, may we let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave us.

“Your way shall be our way
As you fill our hearts with love in this season of joy.”

Lord, come and save us.