Advent
Let us pray: Draw our hearts near to thee O Lord. Guide our minds and control our words with thy presence. The words of my mouth and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable to you O Lord. Amen. (Matthew 24:37-44)
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: According to the Christian calendar Advent comes before Christmas. Color of advent is purple. Advent is known as the season of expectation. In some tradition the season of advent is a season of fasting and prayer.
Advent is far more than simply celebrating a 2,000 year old event in history. What is advent? For Christians advent season is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ. During Advent we are also looking forward to the return of Christ to the world, His Second coming.
The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival." The focus of the season is the birth of Jesus Christ in this world. The celebration of Advent is also the anticipation of the return of Christ to the world in His Second coming.
Today’s Gospel portion reveals certain important truths about the second coming of Jesus Christ.
First it tells us that the hour of that event is known to God and to God alone. It is therefore clear that a speculation regarding the time of the second coming is only speculation. The person who speculates is claiming to know the secrets of God which belong to God and God alone. So it is not anyone’s duty to speculate but to prepare and wait for His second coming.
Second it tells us that the time will come with shattering suddenness on those who are in worldly things. In the flood story Noah prepared himself in the calm weather for the flood which was to come and when it happened he was ready. But the world was lost in their eating and drinking and marrying and giving in marriage and were caught completely unawares and therefore swept away. Dear brothers and sisters in Christ these words are a warning to us. It tells us that the coming of the Lord will happen at any time and we must always prepare ourselves for the coming of the Lord.
It reminds us that there is a God and the issue of life is in God’s hands. Whenever God’s call comes at morning, evening, midday or midnight, it must find us ready. We must be prepared to join our Lord at any time.
This passage also tells us that with the coming of Christ there will be a time of separation and of judgment day. If we are ready we can join Him if not He will separate us from him. Beyond these things we cannot go in speculations. The ultimate knowledge is kept by God and God’s own wisdom. The most important point is are we ready for the coming of the King?
This advent season we are ready with our material planning. We have already decorated our church. In the coming days we are making more preparations for the seasons; more shopping more celebrations but the most important thing is are we ready for Christ in our life?
The coming of the Lord is known to none; to live without watchfulness invites disaster. God’s coming is compared here to the coming of a thief. A thief does not send a letter saying when he is going to be in a house. His principal weapon is surprise. Therefore a householder who has valuables in his house must maintain a constant guard. “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of the Man is coming at an unexpected hour.”
While we are making preparations for the season of advent we must also examine ourselves. We must be ready for the season of advent not only externally; not only through our external decorations but also we must submit ourselves before God and completely surrender ourselves before God to receive him in us.
Seasons will come and go. The most important thing is are we ready for Christ? Will you follow that risen Christ? Are you preparing yourself for that Lord? Are we together in our journey? May God bless you all.

Christmas

Epiphany
Sunday January 11, 2009
Let us pray: Father, we thank you for revealing yourself to us in Jesus the Christ. We thank you for your love. Praise you for your Gift. We ask your continued Presence with us. The words of my mouth and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable to you. Amen.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: In western Christian tradition, January 6th is celebrated as Epiphany. It extends until Ash Wednesday leading to lent. Today is the first Sunday after Epiphany. Epiphany is known by other names in various traditions. In Europe, it is known as Three Kings’ Day. Epiphany is the climax of the Advent/Christmas Season. Christmas is a season. It is celebrated as a period of time rather than just a day. The Season of Christmas begins with the First Sunday of Advent, marked by expectation and anticipation. Twelve days of Christmas concludes with Epiphany. Epiphany looks ahead to the mission of the church to the world in light of the Nativity.The term epiphany means “to show” or “to make known” or “to reveal." It represents the coming of the wise men bringing gifts to Jesus who by so doing "reveal" Jesus to the world as Lord and King.
The revelation of Jesus as we read in Luke (2:32) "a light for revelation to the Gentiles", was one of the first indications that Jesus came for all people, of all nations, of all races, and that the work of God in the world would not be limited to only a few.
Today’s gospel portion (Mark 1:7-11) we heard about the decision day. Baptism of Jesus in a way presents many theological questions because John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. Baptism is meant for those who were sorry for their sins. But in Jesus’ case he was sinless. Let us briefly examine what is baptism meant to Jesus?
First it was a moment of decision. For thirty years he was in Nazareth. Very faithfully he was doing his duties to his home. Nazareth was sweet and peaceful. But now comes the moment of decision for Jesus. With the emergence of John the Baptist knowing fully the consequences Jesus answered the summons and the challenge of God. Baptism was a moment of decision for Jesus.
Second it was a moment of identification. With his baptism Jesus identify himself to bring better things to humanity. Jesus identification was with a movement not for his sake, but for the sake of others. With his baptism Jesus joined the company of God for the salvation of humanity.
Third it was a moment of approval. Jesus was very sure that it was his mission and he was called for that. To Jesus the voice came directly. As we read in Matthew (3:17) it said: “ Thou art my beloved Son.” Speaking direct to Jesus. With his baptism Jesus was a different person and he submitted his decision to God.
Finally, baptism was moment of equipment for Jesus. During his baptism the Holy Spirit descended upon him. There is a symbolism here. The dove is the symbol of gentleness. With his baptism Jesus was equipped to conquer the world with the message of love.With the baptism Jesus equipped to serve the humanity.
During this Epiphany season when Jesus fully reveled to us we must find Jesus in our hearts and minds. It may not be easy. As Christians we have renewed our faith in baptism. We have promised that we have Christ in our life. Are we keeping up our promises? We must examine ourselves. If not we must find Jesus in our life. Finding Jesus may mean that our life must take a different direction. May be we may need to give up everything we thought was important in our life. Sometimes our life may be in danger. But we must find Jesus in our life for our salvation. Are we willing to take that risk? Are we willing to lead a different way after finding Jesus? After finding Jesus are we ready to have different direction in our life.
Sometimes it may the most painful decision in our life. But we must do it. Christmas, New Year, Epiphany all are good celebrations but the meaning of our celebration must come within us. May God bless you all.

Lent

Easter