December 21 according to the Mayan calendar heralds a new age thus bringing the world that we know to an end. Programs on the History channel about such events have not helped as interviews from renowned scientists and historians added fodder to the rumor. A friend of mine was pretty convinced that it was true, saying that all the evidences (or signs) were there. As an avid fan of science, it can be quite difficult to shun belief in the face of what one considers the authority of our very existence.
I smiled each time our conversations turned to topics like these. I didn’t have any proof to say he was wrong, especially when his arguments were backed up by what he called scientific data. Neither did I have any evidence to defend my opinion on the matter. The best way to handle the matter, I then thought, was to listen and to smile. And so, I did exactly that.
Despite my misgivings on the matter, the History channel’s programs and my friend’s ardent belief on the veracity of what the Mayan calendar foretold held much value for me. No, not for a moment did I believe that the world would end today. Neither did it give me any cause for worry. But I believe that such predictions couldn’t have come at a better time.
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The date of humankind’s supposed eternal demise comes at a time of Advent, the period which Christians believe is a time of waiting. Advent reminds us to be thankful for Jesus' first coming as a baby and to prepare ourselves for his final coming at the end of time. Traditionally, it is a season of prayerand repentance, followed by one of hope and joy. With this in mind, I thought it better to think of this day as something not to be feared of but an invitation to live life the best way we can.
What would you do if this was your last day on earth? Who would you share the last moments of your life? What would you say to the people around you knowing it will be the last they will hear from you?
Mulling over these questions created a different feeling inside my guts. I suddenly wanted to be with those whom I loved. I wanted to smile, be happy and share the happiness I felt with those I met. I wanted to be kind, helpful and compassionate to those who needed someone to understand and bear their pain, even for a little while. I wanted to say the five little words “I love you” and “I’m sorry” which I may have taken for granted or didn’t have the courage or the humility to say. I wanted to be the best person I could be in the little time I had left.
And that’s when it struck me. Do we really need doomsayers to make us change our ways? Do we need natural calamities and horrible events such as those that struck us recently to make us realize what really matters in life?
Today is December 21, 2012 and the end of the world, despite what renowned scientists, historians and my good friend believed, has not come.For Christians like me, it is Advent, a time of waiting. Ironically, the hype about doomsday made me understand that it is not us who wait for the final coming (or the end of days as some would like to believe). Rather, thanks to the doomsayers, I have come to see that it is He who waits for us.
He waits for us to be fully aware of His love for us.He waits for us to recognize the many gifts which He has blessed our life.He waits for us to notice the loneliness in others;and He waits for us to share what we were given with them.He waits until we are ready for the time when He will come again.
Many years ago, I was taught that in Advent, we wait.Today I learned that it is Him who truly waits.
Doomsday or not, may we live our lives always with that reality in mind.Have a blessed Christmas everyone!
I smiled each time our conversations turned to topics like these. I didn’t have any proof to say he was wrong, especially when his arguments were backed up by what he called scientific data. Neither did I have any evidence to defend my opinion on the matter. The best way to handle the matter, I then thought, was to listen and to smile. And so, I did exactly that.
Despite my misgivings on the matter, the History channel’s programs and my friend’s ardent belief on the veracity of what the Mayan calendar foretold held much value for me. No, not for a moment did I believe that the world would end today. Neither did it give me any cause for worry. But I believe that such predictions couldn’t have come at a better time.
The date of humankind’s supposed eternal demise comes at a time of Advent, the period which Christians believe is a time of waiting. Advent reminds us to be thankful for Jesus' first coming as a baby and to prepare ourselves for his final coming at the end of time. Traditionally, it is a season of prayerand repentance, followed by one of hope and joy. With this in mind, I thought it better to think of this day as something not to be feared of but an invitation to live life the best way we can.
What would you do if this was your last day on earth? Who would you share the last moments of your life? What would you say to the people around you knowing it will be the last they will hear from you?
Mulling over these questions created a different feeling inside my guts. I suddenly wanted to be with those whom I loved. I wanted to smile, be happy and share the happiness I felt with those I met. I wanted to be kind, helpful and compassionate to those who needed someone to understand and bear their pain, even for a little while. I wanted to say the five little words “I love you” and “I’m sorry” which I may have taken for granted or didn’t have the courage or the humility to say. I wanted to be the best person I could be in the little time I had left.
And that’s when it struck me. Do we really need doomsayers to make us change our ways? Do we need natural calamities and horrible events such as those that struck us recently to make us realize what really matters in life?
Today is December 21, 2012 and the end of the world, despite what renowned scientists, historians and my good friend believed, has not come.For Christians like me, it is Advent, a time of waiting. Ironically, the hype about doomsday made me understand that it is not us who wait for the final coming (or the end of days as some would like to believe). Rather, thanks to the doomsayers, I have come to see that it is He who waits for us.
He waits for us to be fully aware of His love for us.He waits for us to recognize the many gifts which He has blessed our life.He waits for us to notice the loneliness in others;and He waits for us to share what we were given with them.He waits until we are ready for the time when He will come again.
Many years ago, I was taught that in Advent, we wait.Today I learned that it is Him who truly waits.
Doomsday or not, may we live our lives always with that reality in mind.Have a blessed Christmas everyone!