Christmas is the celebration of God coming into the world as a man. The man Jesus Christ who is God proclaimed to us the good news – that God is a loving God who loves us. Jesus also taught us how to live: Love God above everything else; Love your neighbor as yourself. And for our sins to be forgiven, He suffered and died for us.
For those who believe in Jesus Christ, His message, teachings, sacrifice and His entire life itself – are all manifestations of God’s love. Christ’s promise to us of a place of eternal bliss after our lives in this world of tears – is truly reason for constant celebration and joy. For those who make Jesus Christ the Center of their lives, connect Him to every facet of their existence – how they live and how they die – their lives bear much fruit not only for themselves but also for others. And even if faced with the worst of situations, their faith in God’s love and mercy keeps them from crumbling.
It is a part of God’s love that the start of the new year comes exactly a week after we celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ. A new year symbolically and in actuality can mean a new beginning as well as the ending of certain aspects of our lives. Making a list of resolutions for the new year is a good idea. Whether it’s a resolution connected to improving one’s situation – financial, health, personal relations, getting rid of an addiction, career, moving to another place, attending to certain problems or whatever else – it’s a good thing to list these and define one’s goals.
Starting a new year by getting rid of old baggage that pulls us down and starting fresh with a new spirit of hope – renews our determination to live our lives with more enthusiasm. New aims, new goals, new life directions – they get done when we strongly believe in our ability to accomplish these and if in line with God’s plans.
For me, a few days after celebrating with true joy the birthday of Christ, and before New Year’s Day, I spend much time in solitude in a hidden isolated beautiful piece of property consisting of several acres besides the Pacific Ocean about 35 minutes from San Francisco. This heavenly place has awesome views of the hills behind, the white beach in front and cool clean crisp air to die for. Here, amidst sweet smelling century old gnarled Eucalyptus trees and straight ones with only the deer, the birds and an occasional Bobcat as company, I look back at the year that has gone by and even the years before.
It’s always a good idea to spend much time alone with God. You’ll find that there’s so much to be grateful for and you will repeatedly find your proper directions during the times that you find yourself lost.
In solitude, away from the noise and distraction of the city and everyday life we are able to see more clearly where our lives are going We can then make necessary corrections to keep us from heading towards disaster. Better New Year’s resolutions are made when we do these in a spirit of prayer.
What do I wish for 2014?
If it is God’s will, I wish that President Obama will designate the Philippines as a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) country because of super typhoon Yolanda known internationally as typhoon Haiyan. This will enable all Filipinos in the United States, except for those who committed serious crimes – whether they are here legally or out of status – to legally stay, get work and travel permits. Their TPS status can be renewed every 18 months.
This will enable them to have better lives and also position them to provide more help to people in the Philippines including the many millions victimized by the super typhoon.
I wish all a Blessed Christmas and a meaningful New Year.
Note: Atty. Ted Laguatan is a human rights lawyer who is one of only 29 U.S. lawyers officially certified continuously by the California State Bar as Expert-Specialists in Immigration Law for 25 years now. He also does accident related wrongful death and personal injury, clergy child abuse and police abuse cases and complex litigation. For communications (San Francisco Bay Area): 455 Hickey Blvd. Suite 516, Daly City, Ca 94015. Tel. 650-991-1154. Fax 650-991-1186. Email: laguatanlaw@gmail.com
