THE MESSIAH IS COMING 2 - PREPARATION *

 * Included: My Personal Testimony  

This is Advent, as you read in part one of this article, The Messiah is Coming 1: Expectation. There, you had a view of the troubles of the present world, and of the predicaments of both believers and unbelievers. The identity of the Messiah was well established, and his presence and manifestations in the Church was brought to the limelight. Now, are you preparing just to celebrate Christmas or to receive Christ - the Messiah ? 

This second part of the article, The Messiah is Coming 2 - Preparation, will guide you to the real preparation you should do, to get Christ right into your home, and into your life, on Christmas day. Read, meditate and share  You are blessed!   

PREPARING TO RECEIVE CHRIST    

This is Advent, and the whole world is preparing for the birth of the Messiah on December 25 - that is, Christmas day. Thus, the habitual hustle and bustle of this period is now being noticeable, despite the challenges now posed by the emerging strand of the third wave of the deadly coronavirus. 

For some people this is the period to make huge commercial gains, while for others it is the time to get a new face-lift - acquire new dresses, refurbish homes, purchase new cars, and budget for pricey foods, drinks and delicacies; all these in order to celebrate  Christmas!  

However, for those who look forward to receiving Christ on Christmas day, this material preparation is only a shadow; if not, an obstacle to the real preparation. This real one is internal - it consists of opening the heart for Christ to enter and dwell inside;  as the scripture says: 

" Listen! I stand at the door and knock; if any hear my voice and open the door, I will come into their house and eat with them, and they will eat with me." (Revelation 3:20) 

Christ is standing at your door, knocking ......

1. Believe in the Good News 

Here, the "voice" is the Word of God, as it is written: "A voice cries out, Prepare in the wilderness a road for the LORD! Clear the way in the desert for our God! Fill every valley; level every mountain. The hills will become a plain, and the rough country will be made smooth. Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it. The LORD himself has promised this. (Isaiah 40:3-5)

This Word of God is Jesus Christ - who saves, heals, delivers and restores to life (John 1:1-3, 14; 11:38-44). And the key to "open" your door for Christ is your faith in the Word - incarnate in Christ  as the instrument of salvation (John 3:34-36). This is why it is also written: 'This is what the scripture says: If you hear God's voice today, do not be stubborn, as your ancestors were when they rebelled against God.' (Hebrews 3:15)

2. Cleanse Your Hearts 

The "door" is your heart, by which you believe and through which God comes into your being.    But for Christ to enter into your heart, it must be clean - free from all sinful desires, grudges and evil feelings. This is what the scriptures mean when they say that you should come to God with sincere, cleansed and forgiving hearts (Hebrew 10:21-25; Matthew 6:14-15); full of charity and in fellowship with others. 

Then after purifying heart you are called to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength" and to "Love your neighbor as you love yourself". (Mark 12:30-31) And what does it mean to love God? To love God is to accept and obey his commandments and teachings. For he will reveal himself only to those who love him - he will come to dwell in them, and with those who love him; that is, with the repentant sinners. (John 14:21-23. 

3. You Are a Sinner

Don't be offended! But, rather, rejoice - because the Messiah is coming for you - the righteous do not need salvation (Luke 5:31-32). But as the scriptures say: everyone has sinned, and those who pretend not to be sinners are simply liars (Romans 3:10-12; 1 John 1:8). So, notwithstanding, the varying degrees of holiness and sinfulness, everyone has a mountain to level, a valley to fill, and a way to straighten – as far their relationships with God and neighbor are concerned. 

Your mountain may not be as high as mine, your valley may not be as deep as mine, and your way may not be as crooked as mine - but all the same; you have a mountain to level, a valley to fill and way to straighten. In other words you need to repent, as it is written: "I rebuke and punish all whom I love. Be in earnest, then, and turn from your sins. (Revelation 3:19) 

4. Confess Your Sins 

If you fail to level your mountain of rubbish today because it is not high, you may wake up tomorrow to find it piled up and stinking - as your neighbors and passers-by add their own rubbish on to it. And what guest can stop by your door when it stings with odor? if you fail to fill your valley today because it is not deep, the pothole may deepen as the rain falls and the days go by; thus, becoming not only a trap for you, but also a blockage to your guests. If you fail to straighten your way today because it is not so crooked, it may soon become impassable when the bends obstruct rain water, causing the latter to dig gutters across the way. 

The Truth is that neglected little mountains, shallow valleys, and not-too-crooked ways, are like cracks on a defense wall, through which the enemy easily breaks in to attack. So the saying goes, "A stitch in time saves nine. To confess your sins, therefore, is to clean your "house"  that is, your life - so as to be pleasing for Christ to come and live in. Thus it is written: But if we confess our sins to God, he will keep his promise and do what is right: he will forgive us our sins and purify us from all our wrongdoing (1 John 1:9)

5. Do Not Lag Behind  

However, if you think that you are so righteous or so perfect that you need no repentance; then, dont worry - Christ is not coming for you (Luke 5:32). You may be boasting and judging others as you go! But do not be surprised or rather, be disappointed when you come to see the same sinners you condemn today,  going to heaven, ahead of you (Matthew 21:28-31).

6. Level the Mountains 

As far as your repentance is concerned, the mountains are your sins of action; that is, the things you ought not to do, but you do. They may include: pride, corruption, stealing, lie-telling, killing, and may more. When you repent; that is, stop doing the evil things that you used to do, then you are leveling your mountains. And this gives Christ access into your life, to save you  body and soul. 

7. Fill the Valleys 

On the other hand, the valleys stand for your sins of omission  that is, the things that you ought to, but you fail do. These may include: failure to forgive others, failure to help others when you can, failure to take the sacraments, and many more. When you repent; that is, start doing the good things that you used not to do, then you are filling your valleys. And this gives Christ access into your life, to save you  body and soul. 

8. Break the Barriers 

What are the barriers, obstacles and limitations that are preventing you from you from meeting with Christ, in a personal and intimate way? Are they traditions, family, work, friends, time, distance, disability or protocols? Why aren't you baptized? Why did you leave the Church? Why don't you attend Holy Mass or receive the Eucharist? Why don't you go to confession? Why aren't you married in Church? Why don't you fast or fellowship in a Parish group? Why don't you have or read the Bible? Why don't you pray at home or in the family?  

Yes, obstacles will always be, but also there will always be a way out - so, be smart and creative in the things of God, as you are in the things of the world. For example, Zacchaeus' obstacle to seeing Jesus was his shortness, but he did not surrender - he sought a way out by climbing the sycamore tree. And on the tree he did not only see Jesus,  but Jesus also saw him and called him by name (Luke 19:2-6).

9. Make the Way Straight  

Do an act of faith - standout for God to see you. This is what it means to make the way straight for the Lord.  And, remember to do your works of faith descretly, and only for the love and glory of God. Do not seek praise or any recognition, for those who want to standout for the world to see them already have their reward (Matthew 6:1-2). 

The first step to making a way for the Lord is to love and seek him with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength (Mark 12:30). Then create an occasion or connection for him to encounter you. You may do something little but extraordinary; for example, a painful act of forgiveness, a sacrifice to save someone in need or danger. 

Otherwise, you may give up a lucrative but sinful trade or relation for the sake and glory of God, In summary, do something you've not done before, or that no one has ever done - and, do it only for the love of God. 

Jesus calls Zacchaeus down the sycamore tree 

Remember that it does not depend all on your ability to do extraordinary works of faith. No, you need just your decision, determination, and prayers - and God will do the rest (Psalm 85:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24). 

Be inspired and encouraged by: the woman with the issue of blood  - she touched the robe of Jesus with faith, and was healed (Matthew 9:20-22); blind Bartimaeus - he cried out louder and louder when the crowd tried to intimidate him "Son of David, have pity on me" and Jesus attended to him (Mark 10:46-5 2); and Zacchaeus, the short man - he climbed the sycamore tree to see Jesus, and Jesus visited his home (Luke 19:2-6). 

10. Meet with the Messiah 

You meet Jesus Christ - the Messiah - when you study the Word of God,  fellowship in the Church, receive the Sacraments, attend Holy Mass, receive Holy Communion, visit the Blessed Sacrament, and pray in the Holy Spirit. These provide the food to "eat with Christ" (Revelation 3:20), which consists of the graces for eternal life - the life of God. 

THE PRACTICAL THINGS TO DO 

Now the preparatory measures must be put into practice in order to receive the Messiah to come. 

1. Receive the Good News 

The first thing to do is to hear and believe the Word of God (Mark 1:15). Salvation comes by faith and faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:10,17). Therefore, read the scriptures regularly and meditate on the on the messages and teachings. Also, be always present at the Holy Mass and attentive to the liturgy of Word. 

2. Mirror Yourself in Jesus Christ 

The next thing to do is to examine yourself in the light of the Word of God that you study. For the Word of God is Christ, and Christ is the only model in Christianity. If you mirror yourself in others, you may be tempted and comforted to slumber on your own weaknesses. 

But when you examine yourself, sincerely, in the light of the Ten Commandments and the teachings of Christ; in the light of the commandments and the teachings of the Church; then you can see how many mountains you have to level, how many valleys you have to fill, and how much you have to straighten your way to God. 

3. Repent and Renounce Your Sins  

 Having examined your deeds and misdeeds in the mirror of Christ, the next thing to do is is repentance and renunciation. This means to effectively stop doing the evil you used to do, and started doing the good you had been failing to do - and then take vow to yourself and to God, to sin no more. 

4. Receive the Sacrament of Confession  

Then, after repentance you need to  receive the sacrament of Confession (John 20:22-23). In this sacrament you will receive, not only forgiveness for your sins, but also the grace to keep your vow to be holy. 

5. Do Works of  Faith 

To do the works of faith simply means to put into practice what you believe - the Word of God; that is the laws and teachings of God. This is why the scripture says: "So it is with faith: if it is alone and includes no actions, then it is dead" (James 2:17,26).  

6. Receive or Renew Your Baptism 

As the scripture says: "I am telling you the truth", replied Jesus, "that no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit" (John 3:5) Here, we consider baptism in three different context, and every Christian is concerned with one. 

1. Sacrament of Baptism

This is the Sacrament of Christian initiation - it is taken by new members of the Church. The candidates must be well prepared to understand the value of the sacrament, and the need to keep their  baptismal vows. The sacrament of baptism received only once - it is an indelible mark of belonging to God (Ezekiel 9:4; Revelation 7:3)

2. Rite of Readmission 

The rite of Readmission and Renewal of  Baptismal Vows is performed on Catholics who had left the Church to worship in other churches, or who had abandoned their faith for a long time. It is presided over by the Priest before the congregation  - during  Holy Mass, and before the candidate may take Holy Communion again. 

3. Simple Renewal of Vows 

Actually, all baptized Catholics renew their baptismal vows in the recitation of the Apostolic Creed during the celebration of the Holy Mass, and ceremonies of baptism. But this is not always taken to heart by everyone. This is why the Church demands the solemn renewal of baptismal vows by all during, for example, the Easter virgil. 

This exercise is very important and you can do it on your own by meditating regularly on the Apostolic Creed, and by meditaing on the vows during the baptism of new candidates. It helps remind to always remember the vows, and to receive the grace to keep them. 

Note - 1: Catholic Baptismal Vows 

The Catholic Baptismal Vows are essentially the promise to: (1) deny Satan and all his works (2) reject sin and all its glamor, and (3) believe in God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son of God, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, Communion of Saints, forgiveness of sins, resurrection of the body, life everlasting (Apostolic Creed). 

Note-2: Serious Warning   

Once you have received baptism, please, never break your baptismal vows. And if it happens, confess and renew them as soon as possible. If you do not, the indelible sign of your baptism would become a curse to you. This is what the scripture says : "Those who depend on obeying the Law live under a curse. For the scripture says," Whoever does not always obey everything that is written in the book of the Law is under Gods curse." But by becoming a curse for us Christ has redeemed us from the curse that the Law brings; for the scripture says, "Anyone who is hanged on a tree is under Gods curse" (Galatians 3:10,13).

7. Receive Holy Communion 

Holy Communion is the body and blood of Christ - the source of eternal life. Thus, the scripture says, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If you eat this bread, you will live forever. The bread that I will give you is my flesh, which I give so that the world may live.” (John 6:51).

The bleeding woman  touches Jesus's cloak    

8. Pray the Angelus  

The Angelus, prayer in honor of the Virgin Mary, is actually a Prayer of the Incarnation. 

You may use the format of the Angelus to meditate and pray for God's promises to materialize in you and for you. The three actors are : Holy Spirit - the Creator;  Word of God - carrier of the Holy Spirit;  Virgin Mary - the Womb for the Incarnation of the Word of God. 

So, after praying the Universal Angelus - three times per day - you may also pray your Personal Angelus. Consider: if God spoke onto Mary and she conceived by the Holy Spirit: can God's Word spoken for your salvation, not also take form by the power of the Holy Spirit, and through the Womb of the Virgin Mary?  

Note: Although the Angelus is a very short and simple prayer, it is one of the most mystical prayers  of the Church. 

The Angelus 

V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary,
R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary, etc...

V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
R. Be it done unto me according to Your Word.

Hail Mary, etc...

V. And the Word was made flesh,
R. And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary, etc...

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:

Pour forth, we beseech You, O Lord,
Your Grace into our hearts;
that as we have known the incarnation of Christ,
your Son by the message of an angel,
so by His passion and cross
we may be brought to the glory of His Resurrection.
Through the same Christ, our Lord. 

Amen 

9. Proclaim the Good News  

The Good News you proclaim is not just the sharing of the scriptures with others - what is more important is the testimony of your conversion given by your attitude at home, in your neighborhood, in the streets, and at the workplace. Remember what the Priest says to dismiss the congregation at the end of the Mass:, "The Mass is ended, go out and proclaim the Good News" 

10. Hear My Testimony  

In 2008, while I was still wandering and looking for God everywhere, I got in touch with a female medium (seer) from France (name withheld), who informed me that the root cause of my problems was a curse  precisely, a cross that was marked on my forehead when I was a child. I became curious, and further inquired about the exact age when the mark was put on my forehead, and she gave me the exact year and date of my baptism (without mentioning the Church). But I was astonished and totally confused! I didnt understand how and why my baptism in the Church became a curse. I didnt also know where to get the 50 Euros which the medium was demanding as payment for the ritual she had prescribed to set me free from the curse. 

But as I was pondering these questions and lamenting my predicaments, the Spirit of the merciful LORD visited me, and took me to Galatians 3:10 -13. That is where I learned the truth  that the Cross, mark of Christs salvation had become a curse on me, because of my unfaithfulness to the vows of my baptism. Then I realized that the right remedy for me was not the occult ritual, but repentance. That is how I found my way back into the Catholic Church, confessed my sins and repented. 

Then in 2009 I was finally readmitted to the Church at St Theresa Parish in Small Mankon, Bamenda, in Cameroon. There I renewed the vows of my baptism  and my situation changed! I give this testimony, here, to thank God for his infinite mercy on me, and to help others who may be in a similar situation like mine. So it would be regrettable, if after reading this article and my testimony, you fall in the same trap  who knows what your fate would be!

May the Spirit of the merciful LORD locate you through your reading of this article, and change your life for the best, in Jesus Christ, who comes with grace and truth to live with you, forever  (John 1:14,17), Amen! 

Author: Aying Godman, is a Catechist, Evangelist & Writer, from the Catholic Archdiocese of Douala in Cameroon. Email: ayinggodman@gmail.com