Simbang Gabi 2012 - Major Takeaways (Days 1 - 3)

It's actually the 7th day of Simbang Gabi today and the 3rd to the last day of the novena in preparation for Christmas. What I've decided to do for each of the remaining days of Simbang Gabi is to share my reflections or major takeaways from each of the masses. I have been posting these as FB status messages and I'm putting them together into three compilations of three major takeaways, thus adding up to all nine days of the novena. 

So here's the first compilation:

1st day of Simbang Gabi earlier at EDSA Shrine which happened to coincide with Gaudete Sunday (3rd Sunday of Advent). Major Takeaway - To experience joy is to recognize the loving and constant presence of the Lord in our lives. May we continue to be bearers of His love to others around us. :-D

2nd day of Simbang Gabi at St. Therese, UPLB. Major Takeaway - The Lord will use us as His instruments of love, joy, peace and hope even if we are ordinary, broken and sinful. All we have to do is open ourselves to be His vessels to reach out to those in need. Just like the Magi offered their gifts of frankincense, gold and myrrh, we, too, can offer whatever we have to serve and love Him more.

St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish, UPLB (MCMIII)

3rd Day of Simbang Gabi at EDSA Shrine - Major Takeaway - The Lord, who is called Emmanuel, God is with Us, came into the world for us to realize that we can only experience fullness of life with Him present in our lives. And, as He is present in our lives as we go through each day, He is also challenging us to be present to others around us - our family, our brothers and sisters in Christ, our friends, those who we encounter who are in need. Thus, we can imbibe the ministry of presence through every situation we find ourselves in. :-D

shepherds-heart.org