LONG cold nights, chilly breeze blows through the air sending goose pimples all over one's body.
Colored lights blink from every store window with colorful window displays.
Carols blast from from every available audio system and "Hall Mark" Christmas cards assail the eyes.
All these are tangible proofs that Christmas is just around the corner
Yet in spite of the luxurious, lavish decorations and displays I see around me, the real essence of Christmas seems to be missing. Sad to say, the real significance of the event has been overshadowed by its material trimmings. I am not surprised to hear people say: "Hindi masaya ang pasko mo kung walang pera ang bulsa mo."
Because we have been conditioned since early childhood that Christmas always entails material gains. Santa Claus and his material promises are popular especially among children, to the extent that Christmas has meant gifts and presents.
The gift-giving gesture initiated by the magi has been emphasized to mean the spirit of the season.
But is it really the real essence of the season?
The story of Christmas dates back to the book of Genesis when God created man in his own image and likeness, But man fell from grace, yes, because "God so loved the world so He gave his only son, Jesus Christ, to save mankind.” To know the story of Christmas is not enough to grasp the meaning of this season
It is to be lived and to be concretized by Christians because Christmas is actually love, hope, and simplicity.
The custom of gift-giving is a sign that we love one another, but it is not the best that we can offer.
I do not mean to say that we should refrain from the custom of gift-giving, preparing lavish foods, buying new clothes, and everything.
My point is that we can celebrate the joy of Christmas without much extravagance, yet still capture the spirit of it.
At present, we are experiencing an economic crisis.
Let us face it.
What if we do not have new clothes or we do not receive gifts or give gifts from our fellow friends and loved ones?
They are not necessary ingredients to have a real Christmas.
Like Christ, he did not give us material wealth, power, and money but He gave us Himself, a total gift of His own life to prove His infinite love and mercy to all of us. To concretize this love of Christ is" To love one another" and the most simple yet meaningful gesture of loving one another is to forgive; forgiving those who have refused to love us, those who have hurt or inflict us in one way or the other, forgiving and forgetting.
Yet we can never forgive others too unless forgiveness starts with ourselves .
That is forgiving ourselves as our father in heaven forgives us.With humility and sincerity of heart.
We must acknowledge our sinfullness before Christ and after having begged for them from God, we must forgive ourselves too.
Love this christmas can also be alive by sacrificing our needs, denying ourselves, our desires and natural inclinations for the good of others and for the sake of Christ.
This is the paradox of love. This is what love ask of us, that we deny ourselves for others.
Christmas is also a hope for the coming of Christ on judgment day but moreover it is the hope for the coming of Christ into our lives, to let him possess us and be the master of our lives.
The present economic crisis in our country has also something to do with our celebration of Christmas.
It calls for a change of attitude, it calls for simplicity.
Christ was born in simplicity. Christ was born in a humble surroundings amidst simple folks.
Christmas is also a reminder for us to live simple lives.
Actually christians must celebrate everyday. We only have a special season for it to serve as a reminder of Christ message for us of his tremendous love for all mankind.
This Christmas season let us all rejoice and be glad.
Let us all love and forgive one another for this is where peace, joy and the real meaning of Christmas abide.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
Editor’s note: This piece was first published in Ang Taboan, now known as The Catholic Herald. The author himself wants to share it with SunStar Davao readers.
