Your presence as a present

We cannot help but associate Christmas with parties, gifts, good food, wine and dance. And as Christmas nears, we're rushing and scrambling for what to buy and make sure to zero in all that we need in order to celebrate the day with great satisfaction and merriment. Christmas happens only once a year and that the day calls for the grandest celebration. After all, it's the birthday of our Lord. In most sense, Christmas is our way of honoring the birth of Jesus. An expression of our faith and happiness that we always take time to drop our plows for awhile to revere and celebrate its importance.

Because the day is so significant to us, we make it a point to list down the things to buy and things to do to make the celebration livelier and happier. And because we are also so pressed with the preparations and all, we tend to miss those things that really matter in Christmas. Yes, we should be happy during Christmas. I'm sure Jesus wants us to enjoy his birthday more than we enjoy our own. But I believe, if Jesus had his way, he would have wanted it celebrated without so much fanfare because we lose sight of him when we think of honoring him the best or grandest way we can.

Instead of remembering him by praying or hearing mass, we remember better what goes well with our hamonada and queso de bola. Instead of counting and thanking him for the blessings that we receive this year, we count on our bosses to give us a bonus or perhaps so excited about the gifts that we get from our godparents and rich friends. Jesus is supposed to be the center of everything at Christmas. He is supposed to be the star of the show, to shine among the stars. However, we seem to be a bit more concerned by the amount of Christmas lights we use to illumine our homes.  Material things always get in the way each and every time we commemorate Jesus’ special day.

Thus, the spirit of Christmas nowadays is stained by the amount of attention we put on its preparation rather than the amount of reflection that we need to put to appreciate its real meaning.

I believe that Christmas calls for a different kind of celebration. A celebration that begs simplicity and human touch. Jesus surprised the world in silence sans revelry, publicity or grandiose. He probably wanted it that way so we may pay attention to his presence that he is the best present that God can give and offer to the world. He came with simplicity and modesty to revisit our perspectives about what personal relationship truly entails – that genuine relationships are built not by what you have but by what you can give as a person thru sincere action or care. 

I believe therefore, that the best gift that you can give this Christmas is your very person. If you think that you just hurt someone, offer the hand of humility and reconciliation – a broken relationship cannot be mended by any material gift. It can only be restored thru forgiveness. What could be more comforting than to give and receive the gift of healing and reunion with the people you care. 

To be with our loved ones is a tradition that we always do during Christmas. The saddest thing a person can experience in this time of reunions is when you have no one to be reunited with. Time is the best gift that you can give to people who suffer in loneliness. Visit your old folks or be with the elderly or orphans. In this time of lechon, cakes and drinks, think of those who scrounge the garbage bins in order to survive the day. Jesus did not require us to celebrate his day in abundance. I’m sure you and Jesus would be happier if you skip an ostentatious “handa” and afford the best meal to your neighbors who have yet to know what Noche Buena means.

The true spirit of Christmas can only be experienced when we begin to look beyond the preparations, the parties and all. The spirit of Christmas is when we are ready and willing to offer our person and our time this Christmas to bring comfort and healing to others. Your presence is your best present this Christmas. Make it a habit every Christmas and whole year round.

Have a meaningful Christmas to one and all!

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