It is 23rd December 2019. The readings are from Malachi 3:1-4: 4:4-6 and the Gospel from Luke 1:57-66. Let us not take God and God’s mercy for granted. Whether we like it or not God appears in our life either with or without our collaboration with His plan. Obedience to the law of the Lord is the pleasing sacrifice to God. The first reading talks about new Elijah who would prepare the hearts of children to obey the parents. The last prophet of the Old Testament cautions us that the Lord would come when we are least expecting. Those who are not prepared cannot accommodate the Lord into our inner space. When we have not prepared enough then there is no room for Jesus that brings the blessings of our Christmas and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and homes. “Look, I will send you the prophet Elijah before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of parents to their children and the hearts of children to their parents, so that I will not come and strike the land with a curse.” (Mal.4:6). Just a day left for the celebration of Christmas. Are we reconciled and at peace with God and one another? Graciousness and mercy of God will never run dry. This Christmas would pass by without any changes internally if we are not willing to repent and change our routine and casual way of sinning. The responsorial Psalm acclaims, “Life up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.” (Lk.21:28). The Gospel presents us with the birth of John the Baptist. God relentlessly shows mercy to all who put their trust in Him. Jesus is going to be born. Let us do the final touch and preparation. We are the contemporary Elijah to restore the lost connection with God in our lives and in others. “And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (cf. Jn 1:14). Jesus wants to be born in our hearts and homes as He did it on the maiden Christmas day. May we invite Him in and offer Him a place worthy of Him. May you have a good day. God bless you.