We are halfway through the Advent season, the preparation for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. But in no way is this preparation passive or short term. Advent is active. We are called every moment of our lives to persevere and overcome tests and struggles; we are called to triumph and make ourselves ready for him. Just like John the Baptist, we are asked to prepare for the coming of Jesus. In our countdown to Christmas, how are you preparing your hearts?

REFLECTION QUESTION

Do you prepare for Christmas as an encounter with God?

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, never let me take You for granted. Ingrain in my consciousness a deep awareness of Your real presence in the Eucharist and in my prayers. Not for Your sake but for mine. Amen.

Take time to reflect today: God what am I here for? Despite the “twisted branches” and “rotten roots” that you find in your genealogy, God made you for a unique purpose. And that purpose is meant to bless the world. Be comforted with this truth today..

REFLECTION QUESTION

Do you believe that you are here for a purpose?

PRAYER

Jesus, in Your Name, I declare freedom from whatever enslaves me in the past, and courage toward what frightens me in the future. Help me always believe in Your plans for me. Amen.

When God gives us a mission, it is usually out of our comfort zone. Why? Because it is through our courage zone that we become a bigger blessing to the world. If Joseph didn’t follow the angel’s command to take Mary amidst her “scandalous” situation, then Christmas would have never happened.

REFLECTION QUESTION

What is keeping you from leaving your comfort zone to your courage zone?

PRAYER

Lord, thank you for calling me even if I am not qualified. I ask that You give me the confidence I need to do Your will. Teach me to follow you even when I feel afraid for when I am weak, You are strong. Amen

“To see is to believe.” This is how our world operates. But if we want our faith to grow, believing should come first. Because as we wait, God works.

REFLECTION QUESTION

In what situations should you stop seeing and start believing?

PRAYER

Jesus, it’s not easy to believe in the unseen but help me find it in my heart to believe in You for I know that Your plans for us are perfect. Amen

#OCome #TheFeast #feastchristmas2021 #christmas2021 #christmasreflections

In the Bible, God used a lot of regular folks for His mighty tasks. This shows that we have a non-discrimanatory God. So if you feel that you’re ordinary now, get ready. God will employ you for His extra-ordinary mission.

REFLECTION QUESTION

How do you conquer the fear of being ordinary?

PRAYER

Father, thank you for working through our regular tasks. Help us to see your grace even through the simple aspects of our lives. Amen.

Sometimes, we don’t like to give because we only have little to spare. But little is not “nothing.” When you give something, God makes a big thing out of it.

REFLECTION QUESTION

What “little” can give you right now?

PRAYER

Lord, I may have not much to give but thank you for the privilege to offer what I can. Whenever I struggle to share, remind me that what I have is from You and whatever I do to others, I do it to You.

Good things happen to those who wait but better things happen to those who obey like Mary. May we have a heart like hers whose big enough to accept, embrace and live God’s commands.

REFLECTION QUESTION

What things should you let go to fully obey God?

PRAYER

Dear God, give me a humble heart to follow your order at all times. Help me to keep away from anything that deters me to act on Your will even if it’s difficult. In Jesus’ name. Amen

How many times have you regretted an act that you have done due to impatience? Sometimes, better results would have happened if we only waited a little longer. This Christmas, ask for the gift of patience for in waiting, comes a blessing.

REFLECTION QUESTION

What steps can you do to wait joyfully?

PRAYER

Lord, help me to remain faithful to You while waiting. Lead me to serve You and live for you amidst this crossroad in my life. When things don’t go my way, teach me to be thankful for in every rejection, there is Your redirection.

When there is shortage in our lives, we think that God has forgotten about us. But it may be that we are the ones who have forgotten that God is Jehovah Jireh which means “The Lord will provide.” Whenever you feel that you lack in something, be locked in God’s love. You’ll realize that you have everything you need at that moment.

REFLECTION QUESTION

In what area in your life do you feel “poor” that you want to offer to God?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, I feel poor in different areas of my life. Help me to find ways for my needs and wants to be filled. But more than anything, lead me to see You that in the end, it is You that I ultimately need. Remind me that I am not poor after all because You live in me. Amen.