4th Week of Advent (C) : Thursday 23rd December 2021

In two days, Christmas will be here! In nine days, a new year will arrive, 2022. What New Year’s resolutions are we planning during these last days of 2021?

In Psalm 25, David is seen praying for pardon and guidance from God. Still in the penitential season of Advent, let us ask ourselves, what else do we need a pardon from God for? David acknowledged that the Lord, “good and upright… shows the path to those who stray” (v 8). Will we, in humility – acknowledge our sins, confess, repent, and allow the Lord to guide us in the “right path” and teach us His “way” (v 9)? Will we earnestly let the Lord make us know His “ways” and lead us on His “paths” (v 4). Will we wisely let the Lord make us walk in His “truth” (v 5)?

In the coming new year, let us — choose to remember, to “keep” the Lord’s “covenant” and “will” (v 10); acknowledge that God indeed is our Saviour (v 5); live joyfully with the knowledge that the Lord’s “ways are faithfulness and love” (v 10); revere the Lord, and receive the blessing of His “friendship” (v 14).

As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, let us intentionally wind down. Like the shepherds on the first Christmas, let us, for the 12 days of Christmas (Dec 25 – Jan 5), kneel in holy adoration of the Lord. And like Mary, ‘treasure and ponder’ (Luke 2:19) God’s wondrous gift to us in Jesus Christ.

Lord, restore us to Your peace and prepare us to celebrate the coming of our Saviour, for He is Lord forever and ever.