Dear friends, Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Christ, is around the corner. Barely three days from now. Yes, it is a joyful time. The lights are already up on the streets. The musical shows have already begun. But beyond the lights and sounds, the night of the birth would be marked by silence. A cold silent night. This points us symbolically to the need to go into our heart, the silent parts of us and renew our lives from the wealth of the messages that we have heard all through the Advent.

This Sunday, the last Sunday of Advent, challenges us with the character of Joseph. He was an upright man, a responsible, honest and honorable man. Little wonder, he did not want to embarrass Mary, because he was honorable. He did as the angel of the Lord had instructed him for he was a responsible man. He did not take the advantage of the situation for any popularity contest or gain because he was an honest man.

When God is interested in safeguarding special things, God looks for responsible, honest and honorable men and women. Am I an upright person before God? Are you? Let these questions push us to a transformation of our lives, trusting in the grace of God.