A new Christian convert, Ebenezer, attended a church service for the first time. As he stepped into the church and walked toward the altar, he heard the catechist proclaiming aloud, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near”—one of the sentences often read at the beginning of every service according to the Book of Common Prayer.

On hearing these words, Ebenezer broke down in tears. When asked what was wrong, he replied, “Why now? Why is the kingdom near today of all days, when I am just beginning my Christian journey? I have not even been baptized or confirmed. How can I be sure I will make heaven if the kingdom is already near?”

The catechist gently explained that the sentence is read every Sunday as a ‘wake-up call’ to everyone, not as a warning directed at him personally. He reassured Ebenezer and continued to guide him as he grew in his Christian walk.

In our Gospel today, we hear that same message from John the Baptist echoing: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt. 3:2). It is a reminder to prepare our hearts to welcome Jesus into our lives as we look forward to celebrating His birth. The kingdom of God became incarnate in Jesus and entered human history in human form.

May God grant us the grace to embrace this kingdom as we look forward to Christmas.