Countdown for Christmas

The happy voices of running schoolchildren filled the air! Winter break must be starting soon, husband Orly and I wondered aloud. Rather than the heavy dragging footsteps, the children now were chasing each other, running and racing to school! They must be so excited to have this day end so that they can start their long winter break?

Other people are doing their own countdowns as well.

You must have heard those who believe in the interpretation of the Mayan apocalypse, that the world will end on the 21st of December this year, 2012? There are already those who have gone, again with much anticipation, to mountains in various locations that are linked to this Mayan interpretation. On the other hand, there are those who are negatively affected by this apocalyptic forecast, they have sent feelers about their desire to take their lives or their great fear about the so-called end of the world.

There are millions, however, who are doing their own countdown to remember and to celebrate the coming of our Lord this Christmas, who with so much hope in their hearts, await the coming of God’s only Son, Jesus Christ – as proof of God’s love for us all!

What a wonderful season to go on more fervent  prayer and service mode, to prepare for Christ’s coming this Christmas!

So many, so much to pray for and to reach out to- starting from within ourselves, all the way to the typhoon victims, those needing justice, those in war-torn areas , the grieving families in Connecticut, the lonely migrants all over the world, and so many more!

Prayer is a beautiful gift we can all give ourselves this season - in fact, prayer is a gift that is best for all seasons! As we count the days till the 25th, adding meaning to our prayers is a beautiful experience, one that leaves one with much peace and love and hope. Remembering others, through simple messages by phone, or through FB, Skype, YM or by writing small notes, can make a day so much brighter, especially for those needing the care and attention. Being with others, just being with those in need, to listen, to touch, to hug, to laugh, to cry together are added simple but tender moments to cherish as well.

Commercial Christmas attracts everyone with the glitter of decors and lights, the loud sounds of stores and music, the gay chatter of shoppers and commuters. Reflective Christmas can be just or even brighter, joyful, colorful- add hope, peace, and love as well - so much each of us can do to truly prepare for a very meaningful, blessed Christmas and years ahead!!!

Gifts can be just as simple and inexpensive- anything or any act prepared for with so much love for the recipient and with the goal of making the recipient smile or receive that love and peace from you – will be so much appreciated.

So much hope and joy doing the countdown really. For God so loved the world, He gave His only Son, our savior, Jesus Christ. God’s love is there always and that will be our greatest reason for doing the countdown, for Christmas or for whatever else, with much hope and peace in our hearts.

To our readers, since the new format of philstar.com and thefreeman online, I have missed reading your comments and views directed to me. To ensure that I get your messages, please see my email below. Thank you and happy blessed countdown to you all!!

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