Nine Words for Christmas: I
09 Dec 2023
Nine Words for Christmas: I
Indeed - this word is used to emphasize, confirm or state a fact. Such a short and simple word but it can make a lot of difference. That’s why perhaps we should use it sparingly. For if we are too liberal with it, it can lose its impact and value. And these days, when so many things are said and heard not all of which are true, we need to be more mindful and careful. We have to be discerning with what comes out of our lips and even what we choose to listen to.
In deed: we have to be intentional with our actions. Oftentimes, our movements represent and speak about us more than our words. To profess something can be easy. To actually do it may be another thing. So when we hear someone say ‘I love you’, we should be watchful that it translates into real deeds. And isn’t that what God has done? In different ways and languages, the Father has always told us of His love for us. But not just that. He actually showed it through the very concrete choice of placing His son in our midst, despite the darkness, sinfulness and uncleanliness of this world.
The Lord fulfills His promise of safety, consolation and salvation. His words certainly matter and never fail to be meaningful. At the same time, we see His heart in the action He has taken. He is our light and hope. We have a loving parent in the Father. And the Spirit never forsakes us. All of these we know if we allow ourselves to embrace the real and distinct action of having been offered Emmanuel, God with us. He loves us – in deed, indeed.
Siyam na Salita sa Christmas: I
Indeed o tunay nga – katagang ginagamit upang magbigay-diin, magpatiyak at magsaad ng isang katotohanan. Payak at maikli subalit maaaring maggawad ng kaibhan sa ating mga binibigkas. Kung kaya marahil nararapat nating piliin ang paggamit nito. Sapagkat kung ubod nang dalas, maaaring mawaglit ang bisa at halaga. At ngayong mga araw, na napakaraming nasasambit at naririnig na hindi lahat ay totoo, nararapat na maging mas malay at maingat tayo. Kailangang kilatisin ang lumalabas sa ating mga labi at maging ang ating mga pinakikinggan.
In deed o sa pagkilos: kailangang may paglalayon ang ating mga galaw. Kadalasan, mas itinatampok at sinasalamin kung sino tayo ng ating mga aksyon kaysa ng mga salita. Maaaring madaling magsabi. Subalit mas mahirap ang pagsasakatuparan. Kung kaya kapag may maririnig tayong bumibigkas ng ‘Mahal kita’, nawa maging mapagmatyag din na naisasabuhay ito. At hindi ba iyon nga ang ginawa ng Diyos? Sa iba-ibang paraan at wika, lagi ang pangungusap sa atin ng Ama ng Kanyang pagmamahal. Subalit hindi huminto roon. Dahil tunay nga Niyang ipinamalas ito sa pamamagitan ng konkretong pagpili na itakda sa ating piling ang Kanyang anak, sa kabila ng karimlan, kasalanan at karumihan nitong mundo.
Isinasakatuparan ng Panginoon ang Kanyang pangakong katiwasayan, kapanatagan at kaligtasan. Tiyak na mahalaga at laging makabuluhan ang Kanyang mga salita. Kaakibat nito, napapagtanto natin ang Kanyang puso sa pinili Niyang pagsasakatapuran. Siya ang ating liwanag at pag-asa. Mayroon tayong mapagmahal na magulang sa Ama. At hindi tayo kailanman pinababayaan ng Espiritu. Mababatid natin ang lahat ng ito kung pahihintulutan ang sarili na yakapin ang totoo at katangi-tanging galaw ng paghahandog sa atin ng Emmanuel, ang Diyos na ating kalakbay. Tunay nga ang Kanyang pag-ibig sa atin na mababanaag sa Kanyang pagkilos.
#aihninewordsforchristmas #ateneoishome
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