My friends, we have arrived. Today is the 9th and final day of our Simbang Gabi. Tonight, we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Our words fo...
My friends, we have arrived. Today is the 9th and final day of our Simbang Gabi. Tonight, we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Our words for this morning are Dawn, David, and Dwelling.
First, Dawn. In the Gospel, Zechariah sings of the "Dawn from on high" breaking upon us. We have been waking up before dawn for nine days. Why? To remind ourselves that the light always conquers the darkness. Whatever darkness you are carrying—sickness, financial worry, broken relationships—know this: The Dawn is here. The long night of waiting is over.
Second, David. The readings remind us that Jesus comes from the house of David. God keeps His promises, but He keeps them in His own time. David wanted to build God a house; instead, God built David a "house" (a dynasty). We often tell God, "Lord, I will do this for you!" And God smiles and says, "Relax. Let me do this for you." Christmas is not about what we achieve for God, but what God has achieved for us through the Line of David.
Third, Dwelling. King David lived in a palace of cedar but was worried God lived in a tent. Tonight, God will not choose a palace. He will choose a manger. He seeks a dwelling place not made of stone, but of flesh. He wants to dwell in you. As we end this Misa de Gallo, the question is no longer "Is Jesus coming?" The question is, "Is there room?"
Action: Tonight at Noche Buena, before you eat, leave one empty chair at the table to symbolize your readiness to welcome Jesus (and the unexpected guest) into your dwelling.
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