The end of the year has come before we are aware of it. 

One of the most common events around the end of the year is all kinds of presenting awards. Students have achievement awards and athletes have 'best player award and movie stars have 'best acting awards. People assess and appreciate who did best in the past year. 

Church is, however, a bit different. We can't say who was the best believer or Christian at the church at the end of the year. Rather, we need to think about. how we have served God and our neighbours. Have we sacrificed our time, talents, money and our lives for others to make God happy? We come to ask at the end, "How close has my spiritual life been to God? Did we let Jesus sit on the throne in the middle of our hearts and reign over us?" 

As a matter of fact, church calendar begins at the end of worldly calendar. This year, the Advent began on November 27th. When worldly people arrange their end of year, Christians begin their yearly faithful journey with welcoming baby Jesus. Jesus was born in a lowly manger, neither in a royal palace nor in the house of a dignitary, although he is a King. Church is different to the worlds direction. In Church, worldly values and points of view turn upside down. 

Beginning December, I reflect what I have done for God and whether I served others like Jesus did. I am shameful again. But I will do my best to finish this year's race before me, expecting Jesus' smile at the finish line. I hope you do the same. Cheers.