WORD ALIVE

A soldier and his wife were preparing for the baptismal party of their baby girl when the chaplain arrived for the Baptism.  
 

Taking the father aside, the priest asked, “Are you prepared spiritually for this religious event?”
 

“Well, I don’t know, Father,”  said the soldier thoughtfully.  “But would two bottles of whiskey and two cases of beer be enough?” 
 

* * *
Those were different “spirits,” of course. The chaplain was telling the soldier that the sacrament of Baptism is not just a drinking party but a religious occasion. 
 

That applies also to the celebration of Christmas. While it is true that we celebrate the birth of the Lord with festivities and merry making, we should remember that Christmas is, first and foremost, a religious event. 
 

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The trouble is that our modern society has commercialized Christmas so much that we have mistaken the icing from the cake and  the accident from the substance. 
 

* * *                  
John the Baptist in this second Sunday gospel, exhorts us: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” He is not referring to road repairs although that’s a reminder for our Department of Public Works and Highways to fix our rough and potholed roads! 
 

* * *
The prophets, Isaiah and John the Baptist, are conveying  in Jewish metaphor the message that our morally crooked ways must be eradicated, the rough edges of our character be made smooth and warped attitudes straightened. 
 

* * *
Why must we “straighten our crooked ways”? Gunar Myrdal, renowned author of the voluminous book Asian Drama, says that one major drawback to economic progress of nations is attributed to their negativistic traits and values. Where there are corrupt practices, political disunity, greed, economic progress is hindered.
 

Likewise, selfishness, insensitivity, infidelities and disrespect in families cause a lot of suffering.
 

* * *                  
Here are some concrete ways of preparing for the coming of Christ this Advent.
 

Attend the nine-day Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo which starts on December 16 capped by the Misa de Aguinaldo on December 25.
If you cannot do this, you may attend the evening Simbang Gabi.
 

* * * 
In the spirit of love and compassion which moved God to send His Son to save us, let us share our resources with the less fortunate. For instance, there are numerous people who do not enjoy receiving a 13th month salary and Christmas bonus since they are not employed. No wonder, they resort to stealing, kidnapping, and other kinds of crime.
 

* * *
Since Christmas is celebrating the grand reconciliation between God and a sinful humanity, let it be a time of reconciliation for people who have not been talking for months and years. Let it be a season of  love and forgiveness. 
 

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If we do prepare ourselves internally and spiritually, then our Christmas will be more joyful, more merry, more meaningful because we are doing the right thing--celebrating what Christmas really means. 
 

* * *
Quips to ponder. There are two kinds of Christmas shoppers – those who shop until they drop and those who can only window-shop. 
 

* * *
If Santa Claus were alive today, he would think twice before scaling up into any chimney. Overweight, over 40, and carrying the load of a bulging tummy—Santa  would be a candidate for heart attack.
Overweights, take note!
 

* * *                  
There are four stages in a man’s life. First, when he believes in Santa Claus. Second, when he doesn’t believe Santa Claus anymore. Third, when he is Santa Claus. Fourth, when he looks like Santa Claus.
 

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Give love to seminarians. This Christmas, let’s help our seminarians by donating through our “Adopt a Seminarian” scholarship program.Donate any amount or sponsor a seminarian's schooling good for one school year. ([email protected])