I beseech you therefore , brethren , by the mercies of God , that you present your bodies a living sacrifice , holy , acceptable to God , which is your reasonable service . 2 And do not be conformed to this world , but be transformed by the renewing of your mind , that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God . Romans 12 : 1-2 , NKJV

Every year , my co-correspondent in this paper and also its Associate Editor , Jun Cordero writes excellent pieces about resolutions for the New Year . They are humorous but the points he puts through are true in every respect . Where he get ’ s those ideas could be none other than the One who has made man in His own image .

Our New Year ’ s resolutions , no matter how good our intentions are , if we do not ask help from that One ,

will come to naught . The Scripture as noted above says in verse 2 , “ And do not be conformed to this world , but be transformed by the renewing of your mind , that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God .” Paul is saying we should not act like the worldly people who know only how to please themselves , whose motives when they do good are sometimes ulterior . We make resolutions that after a day or two are forgotten , but when we put our trust in the Lord we can stick to our resolutions because “ I ( we ) can do all things through Christ who strengthens us .”

My resolve is to read and study my Bible everyday . King David says that the Word of God is a “ lamp to our feet and light to our path .” Without that light we are in danger of stumbling in the spiritual darkness and falling into the precipice

of doubt and discouragement .

Sometimes , I find my words becoming rough and sharp without thinking first . On reflection , I should hold my tongue before replying , and think of how I could say my words in better way . King Solomon said , “” Whoever guards his mouth and tongue , keeps his soul from troubles .” Proverbs 21 : 23 . Also , he said , “ Pleasant words are like a honeycomb , Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones . Proverbs 16 : 24 NKJV .

This is why I want to make another resolution . I want to make it to apply this another prescription from St . Paul found in Colossians 4 ; 6 which says , “ Let your speech always be with grace , seasoned with salt , that you may know how you ought to answer each one ”.. Colossians 4 : 6 NKJV

St . Paul also said

that we s h o u l d m e d i - tate on g o o d t h i n g s . He said in Philippians 4 : 8 , Finally , brethr e n , whatever things are true , whatever things are noble , whatever things are just , whatever things are pure , whatever things are lovely , whatever things are of good report , if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things ..

These resolutions I make but without God ’ s help , I would fail miserably . I thank God for his help . Praise the Lord . Amen .

For prayer , questions and Bible study , call Ben at 604-581-1278 , Junjun at 778-927-8040 , and Stanley at 604-700-3053 . You are

invited to worship with us every Sabbath ( Saturday ) at the Abundant Life Seventh-day Adventist Church at 13062-104 Avenue , Surrey . Welcome .

Our new shepherd , Pastor Leomar Macaraig also takes care of the Vancouver Filipino and Burnaby FilCan SDA churches . His phone number is ; 604- 928-3579 . Every Friday , we have a Bible Study with the Pastor . Everybody is welcome to attend , whether you are a Seventh-day Adventist or not . The Word of God is for everyone . Our address is 9495- 132 Street , Surrey .

Question : How would Adam have greeted Eve on the day before Christmas ?

Answer : “ It ’ s Christmas , Eve .”

It ’ s Christmas Eve , the day before Christmas Day . But Christmas is not just a day . It is a spirit that we carry with us all throughout the year . May the Christmas spirit of hope , peace , joy and love be with us all today and every single day of our journey .

In today ’ s Gospel ( Lk . 1 , 26-38 ), we hear how the “ yes ” of a simple woman made the first Christmas happen . She could have said “ no .” She could have said “ maybe .” She could have said “ yes , but …” Her “ yes ” to the Lord was total and unconditional . We thank and honor Mary . Let us stay close to her so that we can truly know and love Jesus . Who else but a mother who would truly

know and love her child .

Merry Christmas to all ! But more than a “ Merry Christmas ,” I wish you all a “ Mary Christmas !” More than “ Happy Holidays !” I wish you all Happy Holy Days .

How you feel at Christmas depends a lot on how you went through Advent . All the outward preparations are nice but Christmas is not just about being cozy , and merry , and nice . At the heart of Christmas is the heart . Without the heart , Christmas is empty , expensive , stressful , and burdensome , leaving us exhausted and tired , instead of making us fulfilled and inspired .

Amidst the chores , the rush , and the traffic , a Christmas moment happened last Thursday , Dec . 21 . Caught in traffic at the South Luzon Expressway , I looked up , and there was a

rainbow !

A full rainbow over Metro Manila , reminding us of God ’ s all-embracing presence and love . Find time to look up !

Look up ! Find time to remove your sight from your gadget , from your bank books , from your gifts . Smile to God , and say “ Thanks , Lord ! Thank You for Christmas ! Thank You I am still alive !”

Look around you ! There are so many beggars and peddlers this time of the year . As if on cue , they bloom everywhere in our streets , reminding our hearts what Christmas really is all about . It is never too late to give , to share , to forgive , and to care .

Look beside you ! The people you love , and who love you may not be with you anymore next Christmas . Do not postpone your love and appreciation

for them . Do not take them for granted . No regrets that you have loved too little , or too late .

Look inside you ! What ’ s in your heart ? What or who do you need to let go from your heart ? What or who do you need to let in your heart ? Christmas is all about a fresh start and new beginnings , for our Savior has come to dwell among us . Indeed , what does it profit us if we gain the whole world , and lose our peace , and our very soul ?

“ For God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son …” ( Jn . 3 , 16 ). That ’ s what Christmas is all about . Today , say “ God so loved ( your name ) that He sent His only begotten Son !” Let us also remind each other : “ God so loved ( name of the person ) that He sent His only begotten Son !” Let us feel the love , and share the love of this

God who is in love , and got involved with us .

Let me end with the line of a beautiful Tagalog song , with God offering Christmas to us , telling each one of us : “ Paano ang Paskong alay ko sa iyo ( How about Christmas that I am offering to you )?” This moment , may we all whisper to Him : “ Thank You Lord for Your love . Thank You for Christmas !” But sad to say , for some people , this song goes like this : “ Paano ang Pasko … Malay ko sa iyo ( Christmas ? What do I care )!”

A moment with the Lord :

Lord , thank You for loving us . Thank

You for giving us Your only begotten Son . Thank You for giving us hope , peace , joy and love . Amen . ( Inquirer . net )