3rd Sunday of Advent December 14, 2014

There is a story about a little girl who wanted to become a great pianist, but all she could play on the piano was the simple little tune, "Chopsticks." No matter how hard she tried, that was the best she could do. Her parents decided after some time to arrange for a great maestro to teach her to play properly. Of course, the little girl was delighted. When the little girl and her parents arrived at the maestro's mansion for the first lesson, they were escorted by the butler into the parlour, where they saw a beautiful concert grand piano. Immediately, the little girl dashed over to the piano and began playing "Chopsticks." Her embarrassed parents started across the room to tell her to stop, but as she played, the maestro entered the room and encouraged the little girl to continue. The maestro then took a seat on the piano bench next to the little girl, listening to her play. After a moment he began to play along with her, adding chords, runs, and arpeggios. The little girl continued to play "Chopsticks." The parents couldn't believe their ears. They were hearing a beautiful piano duet, played by their daughter and the maestro, and amazingly enough, the central theme of it was still "Chopsticks." My dear friends of Christ, there are times when we feel little with ourselves or we are nobody in front of others. We think they are great in what they do and what they accomplish too. And yet, when it comes to evaluate ourselves, we lack some skills or something in order to be great. Such times are so tough for us especially when we hear words of discouragement from people we thought who should have supported us in the first place. In times like these, it is useless to prove how great we are. But in these time too, we need to accept who we are as well as the limits of what we can do even if others would not accept us. The moment we learn to accept ourselves, we also learn to see and glorify God in what He has done for us. In our Gospel, John 1:6-28, John the Baptist was asked, “What do you have to say for yourself?” John’s answer was plain and simple indicating his own “self-acceptance”. He never cared about what people would say about him, whether they regarded him as someone great or small. He just did what he believed he should do though how little it may seem to be for others or even for himself. Because he knew who he is before God and before others, he allowed no man to persuade him to seek “self-glorification.” Rather, he did everything for the greater glory of God. This coming Christmas, some of us may seem to be forgotten. No gifts to receive. No Christmas greetings or message to read. It seems that no one gives us at least even a little importance this season. Though we know we have done many good things to others, they never remember any. But instead of being morbid during this season, we have to look at ourselves and embrace the way we are. We forgive ourselves for the sins we have committed because God has forgiven us first. We have to forgive ourselves for the times we blame ourselves due to our failures because God never blames us even until now. We accept who we are including the darkest part in us because God has accepted us first. The moment we feel at ease with ourselves, we become more ready to give thanks and bless God. This is what advent season is all about –to prepare ourselves to glorify God for what He has done for us. Advent season and even Christmas season are not meant to be celebrated just for partying, eating and drinking. Reasonably, they are seasons to celebrate the great things God has done for us though how little we could do for Him. To end, we have to remember that though how little we could do in this life as long as God is working with us and through us, we have the reason to rejoice especially this Christmas. Therefore, rejoice!