The Magic of Christmas

“Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!” 
― Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

“Oh look, yet another Christmas TV special! How touching to have the meaning of Christmas brought to us by cola, fast food, and beer.... Who'd have ever guessed that product consumption, popular entertainment, and spirituality would mix so harmoniously? ” 

― Bill Watterson, The Essential Calvin and Hobbes

“And when we give each other Christmas gifts in His name, let us remember that He has given us the sun and the moon and the stars, and the earth with its forests and mountains and oceans--and all that lives and move upon them. He has given us all green things and everything that blossoms and bears fruit and all that we quarrel about and all that we have misused--and to save us from our foolishness, from all our sins, He came down to earth and gave us Himself.” 

― Sigrid Undset

I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. 

― Charles Dickens

Every day is like Christmas for us because Jesus is so good to us every day, but this time is extra special because He pours out His love in extra measure. We feel His love from loved ones, acquaintances, and even strangers. There's just something about Jesus' birthday that turns people's hearts and minds to peace and love and goodwill. It brings out the best in everyone because it brings Jesus out, and He's the best!

— David Brandt Berg 

What is the real essence of Christmas?

     We always say that LOVE is the real essence of Christmas. Yes, but with whom? In the Philippines, it's already a tradition to celebrate Christmas as the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We welcome it with festivity and grandeur. But why do we celebrate such? Is it for getting-along-on-the-go? Like selfie purposes? Or get together parties? Such reasons are not sufficient to uproot the importance of Christmas. It is a season of love-- love of God and love of each and every one of us.

            Last Sunday, when we were in Tagaytay, we visited Little Souls Sisters Convent and had mass. In the homily, the priest shared something that really made me smile for long. It is when he visited a three year old girl who has severe and communicable illness. At first he wavered. He even wore gloves because he was afraid he might get infected. When he saw the girl, he was surprised because in every move that she makes, she keeps on whining and whining. But he was really scared. (And so do I, if I’m in his place). He went again on the other day. But this time, he’s really determined to see her and heal her. Because on his way going there, he saw Jesus. Jesus who is ideal and perfect. He saw Him healing the weak with no hesitations. Jesus, the only one we say perfect, cured the sick because of his powerful love. This incident should serve as a lesson for us. A lesson that will mold us to be better persons.

            This Christmas, we should all indulge its real essence. Share peace and love to everyone.  And if you want to keep Christ in your hearts this Christmas, “feed the hungry, clothe the naked, forgive the guilty, welcome the unwanted, care for the ill, love your enemies, and do unto others as you would have done unto you.” 

            Have a merry and productive Yuletide and a prosperous New Year! May the odds be ever in your favor!