DECEMBER 25, 2011
Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord
Reading 1: Isaiah 52: 7-10
Psalm: Ps 98: 1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6
Reading 2: Hebrews 1: 1-6
Gospel: John 1: 1-18
“And the Word was made flesh”
As an assistant chaplain in New Bilibid Prison, I realized that one of the most dreaded and saddest days for visitor-less prisoners is Christmas Day. Christmas is basically a family and friends affair. When one is alone or separated from his family and friends, Christmas season could turn out as a painful occasion and a source of sadness. The warm presence – laughter, stories, jokes, smile, eating together, hugs, kiss and greetings – of each other plays a significant role in the Yuletide celebration.
The greatest manifestation of love is not the presents or gifts we give to each other, but our loving presence to one another. God knows that our life would be tragic if His Loving Presence is not with us. Thus, God willfully decided to become human like us. Christmas is basically the celebration of God’s Presence in us.
Unfortunately, we don’t learn from our experience. When Christmas season comes, we find ourselves so annually absorb with the question, “What will I give to them?” The spirit of consumerism floats in the air during Christmas Season; and most of us are victims of consumerism annually. We have an experience of receiving “cute things” from someone, and we politely say thank you, but we don’t really need those “cute gifts” given to us.
When God gave His only begotten Son to us, He is actually telling us what gift to give to one another – our PRESENCE. In the end, we may even realize that our inexpensive presence is the most memorable gift we can give to each other.
This Christmas season, why not have a good chat with your children before the Noche Buena? What about cancelling your overtime work and play basketball with your boys this Christmas break? What about visiting a friend who is sick? Or visiting visitor-less prisoners? Or giving a call to a long lost friend? There are many creative ways of giving your presence and not just your presents to the marginalized, oppressed, and neglected people. Giving your presence – time, listening ear, sensitivity, and care to your family, friends, and the poor this Christmas may not even cost you a fortune; instead it will give you a lifetime happiness and contentment in life.
This season, don’t just give your Christmas presents to each other … try giving your real presence.
FR. WILFREDO M. SAMSON, SJ
Asst. to the President for Formation
