It is said that “the God who did not consult us without creating us, will not save us without consulting us.” Once we are created, we are given the gift of freedom. But this freedom is at the service of doing God’s will, which is for our own good, our own salvation, our own redemption. Cooperating with God is what we are called to do. This is especially the case with Christians.

It is therefore disheartening to see Christians at the forefront of dehumanizing others. It is a shame to see Christians promoting injustice in the world, or even becoming indifferent to the many shades and forms of injustice and poverty around them. It is sad to see Christians reject strangers on an account of their different identity, and allow the weak to be oppressed. Yet, on Sundays, the pews are filled up, prayers rise up and songs of praise and ministration break forth.

I think we need to realize that a commitment to the well-being of the everyone (no matter their ethnic, racial, tribal, religious or denominational background) is part and parcel of what it means to be Christlike, to be Christian, to contribute in the saving of the world. What else would be more beautiful than a world in which justice, love, peace and happiness abound, a world in which the just are upheld and the wicked find no other option than to repent? This is the world that Jesus promises. May we gladly await Christ, this advent season, with joy and readiness to be like Him.