Yes!

Someone said that, early on, to live a peaceful life, a husband must learn to say these two words: “Yes Dear!”

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In today’s Gospel (Luke 1:26-38) we hear about a young woman who said “Yes” to the Lord, which opened the door of salvation for us all. It was Mama Mary’s “YES” that made the difference, that gave humanity a fresh start and a new beginning.

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What if Mama Mary said “NO”? What if she refused the plan that was laid out before her young and fragile mind? She could have said “NO,” but by God’s grace, she said “YES,” the “YES” that made the angels rejoice and God smile in Heaven above.

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The Incarnation is not so much a question of the power of God, as a question of His benevolence to man. God could have saved us without human participation, but He chose to respect us and involve us in His work of redemption, out of respect, and love for us.

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How is your “Yes” to God? Is your whole life one big “YES” to His loving will and plan? Today, say with renewed conviction: “As for me and for my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

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Today, say “YES” to the Lord for everything, and for everyone in your life. Yes, thank the Lord for everything and everyone, good or bad, happy or sad, and surrender them all. BTS! Believe. Trust. Surrender.

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Today, say “YES” to the Lord with conviction. Make your “Yes” a “YES,” not a “Yes, but …” or “Yes, if …” or “Yes, maybe …” It is our “Yes” that sets us free. May God bless our “Yes” with conviction and clarity. May we say our “Yes” quietly and clearly, come what may.

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I spent four days in Ipoh, Malaysia, last week. No Christmas decors, no Yuletide carols and Tinseltown, but the Christmas spirit of our overseas Filipino workers there was so heartwarming and inspiring. Yes, they are out there, sacrificing family time and braving deprivation and homesickness so that their families here can live and prosper. That’s the Christmas spirit of love, concretized the whole year round.

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It is the presence of Filipinos that gives so much joy and life in many parishes all over the world. Our “kabayans in diaspora” do make a difference wherever they go, with their lively faith, prayerfulness, and humble service. They are our “anonymous” missionaries spreading the Christmas Story all over the world, again and again.

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Wishing you all a MARY CHRISTMAS. The first Christmas was Mama Mary’s Christmas. It was quiet, simple, and poor, but it was so full of hope, peace, joy, and love. May you have an abundance of these in your hearts, in your homes, overflowing to people around. “Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them and they bless you, the giver” (Barbara De Angelis).

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Think about this: There were people who were with us last Christmas and are no longer with us this Christmas. And, there are people who are with us this Christmas, who may no longer be with us next Christmas. Let’s make this Christmas the best Christmas ever yet—with God, our loved ones, and the people around us.

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“And may the spirit of Christmas be always in our hearts” (Jose Mari Chan). Yes, Christmas is not just a day. It is a spirit, an attitude, a mindset we bring along with us, the whole year through!

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A moment with the Lord.

Lord, may we continue to say “YES” to you no matter what we go through. Amen.

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