Time is Ticking to Eternity

And so, here we are... the last couple of days of 2008 and then the year is gone forever to eternity.

I get pretty introspective whenever the year is ending and another year is approaching. Every single day I am aware that I am not getting younger and white strands are trying to conquer the black ones. Oh well, everyone will have whites, sooner or later.

After asking some trivial questions regarding my own life and expectations like have I consumed less calories this year than last year, I decided to ask some questions that for me matter.

Have I as a servant of Christ pleased my Master well this year? Am I a better Christian today after 365 days? Have I gotten closer or have I known my Master better because I read His Word well and obeyed Him? Have I done my best to be a blessing to my family? Have I shared Christ to people?

Anyway, as the 2008 curtain is closing, I would like to say that I am praying for me and for you that we might know Christ better -- the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the King of Kings.

I am expecting unspeakable power in my life as I get to know Him better each day by reading His Word and applying it in my life until the end of my time.

Happy New Year, everyone.

What Would You Give to the Birthday Celebrant?

Last Sunday, as usual, I was busy with the kids in our church. Since it was starting to be busy for the Christmas season and all the the schedule of activities are beginning to be crazy, I decided I need to warn the kids not to miss Christmas -- the real meaning of Christmas, which is the Birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ.

There would be a cantata after the Christmas party next Sunday for the Sunday School department which would mean lots of food preparation, gifts, games, to mention the least. I felt so burdened with all these "traditional" activities.

15 minutes before we ended our lesson, I ran to the car where I hid the Christmas cake we bought and brought it to the Junior Worship class. I lighted the blue candle before we sang "Happy Birthday, Jesus." Then I asked each of the kids "What is your gift to Jesus?" Here are their answers: my life, my love, my trust. I asked them, "What is that one thing you love so much that you can give to Jesus?" One 7- year- old boy thought for a while, "Aside from my life? I think I would give my puppy." That's one concrete answer I got, and yet, it is so real and inspiring.

We can easily say we want to give our life for Jesus, the one that gave His life for us. But can we give up something we really love for Jesus? What about a bad habit? What about our imaginations and some unholy thoughts? What about our selfish desires? What about our tithes and offerings which rightly belong to Him? What about one hour a week to volunteer to tutor a struggling student?

I struggle to give an answer to my own question, "What would I give to Jesus on His birthday?"

It is so ironic that what I can give honestly to the Holy God are my unholiness and sinfulness in exchange for His forgiveness and edification which lead to a fulfilling life of tremendous and exciting victory.

I was 8 years old when I gave my life to Christ in an old church which building still stands today.

"What would I give to Jesus on his birthday this year?" I think I would give him all my unfair and cruel judgments on people which I know little of what their hearts say.

May God help me. Happy Birthday, my Savior and my Lord.

Suddenly...

Right after every Thanksgiving, my heart pounds faster out of excitement for what is to come-- my most favorite of all holidays and occasions: Christmas. I don't really know why suddenly, the monotony of the routine of life just rushes out and the forming cobwebs of my tired mind are immediately swept away. Suddenly, it feels my long-gone youth is back and I'm out, fresh, and ready to face life again! It is not the turkey I eat on Thanksgiving because I'm not fond of eating turkeys, nor the glitters and fresh scented christmas trees at the mall. It is everything! it affects everything and everybody. It is the message of hope.

Suddenly, the message of hope begins to affect almost everyone even those who are hopeless. A Savior has come! Joy to the World! Even recession is overshadowed by it!

O, the wonder of it all! I wish that not a single soul will miss Christmas. Dear friend, Jesus was born about 2000 years ago as the Messiah -- the Savior, and he has come to redeem every soul including yours -- He is the reason for the season! Merry CHRISTmas.