Editorial

Christmas as gift of life and charity

Care for a little reflection on the meaning of Christmas, especially among Christians? In celebrating the start of the traditional “Simbang Gabi” in Manila, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, in his homily, reminded the faithful of the true essence of Christmas --- which is “the birth of Jesus Christ.”

He asked: “Are the others excited for Jesus this Christmas?” Answering the question, he commented: “What they are excited about is the bonus. Even if there’s no Jesus as long as there’s a bonus… They know where to shop (Christmas) sales but the Gospel seems to be not important.” 

The cardinal also expressed lament on the losing tradition of home Nativity scenes where people nowadays “just place gifts beneath the Christmas tree… And when some people did not receive gifts, they would go for money instead.” 

While bonuses are considered as extra dimes for certain necessities, what the cardinal is stressing is celebrating the essence of  Christmas --- “to be charitable and to take every opportunity to witness to the good news of salvation.”

“We should give witness to Jesus at all times, even if it’s not Christmas,” he said in his homily.

While Christmas is gift-giving, perhaps we can spare a little resource for the unfortunate people who need a little help from a friend like us. There are a number who have lost their homes following the series of strong earthquakes in Mindanao and they need our comfort and support. While not adopt a poor fellow in gift-giving and so we can become a little Samaritan?

“The nation will show that despite the earthquake, we have faith — the essence of Simbang Gabi. We keep the faith and believe that Jesus, the Lord will come and save us,” Cardinal Tagle said.

The cardinal does not wish to discard the merriments and the buying sprees out of the bonuses, but to reflect what Christmas is meant.

The Yuletide season is “thanking God for His goodness and the way it has strengthened  our reliance on Him.” Further, it is giving peace.

What is given as gift during this season really “looks good” and we are being blessed. Let Christmas be livened by witnessing the gift of life with each other.

Merry Christmas… Give charity and peace as gifts to our fellows.