#ChristmaSerye (The Real Christmas Expectation)

What do you expect this coming Christmas?  New clothes? New gadgets? Overnight parties? New love life?  For sure aside from these we have a lot of expectations as we wait for Christmas excitedly.  Usually, when Christmas comes we really expect to receive something new and pleasing to our senses and expectations.  So, there should be something new when Christmas comes.

However, is this really the real spirit of Christmas?  Looking and pondering upon the Nativity scene, it was just a simple and ordinary Christmas celebration.  They don’t expect for something new, but they expect for the birth of the Son of God; the main reason of our Christmas celebration.  Actually, the stable of Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, reminds us that the real spirit of Christmas is not all about expecting for something new, costly, extravagant, and appealing; but it’s all about renewing ourselves to the Son of God born in a manger, i.e. Jesus.  He gave us the gift which greater than what we expect, i.e. His life, His love, and His mercy.

So, what we are still expecting for if He must be the real reason of our waiting and expectations?  Indeed, the most important thing in our expectation is to realize that it’s Jesus whom should be the main reason of our Christmas celebrations.  Without his birth, perhaps it’s worthless and pointless to celebrate Christmas just a celebration itself.

#ChristmaSerye (On Sharing our Blessedness this Christmas)

Today is the Fourth Sunday of Advent and it indicates that Christmas is almost near.  Hearing that its four days to go before Christmas, we cannot but feel excited about it.  But, before we feel excited about the nearing natal day of Jesus, let us reflect upon the gospel for today which speaks about the Visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth.

Pondering the gospel for today, the word ‘blessed’ pops-up in my mind that suggests motivation or encouragement for us to welcome the Word made flesh humbly, joyfully, and wholeheartedly.  Mary gave us an example of how to welcome the Word made flesh with conviction, courage, and trust despite perhaps the hesitations and fears that tempt her to doubt the Lord’s plan for her unveiled through Angel Gabriel’s message in the Annunciation episode.  Filled with joy that in her womb is the Son of God conceived by the Holy Spirit, Mary shared this immense joy to her cousin Elizabeth who is also blessed by the Lord and pregnant at her old age.  What this visitation episode means for our lives? How should this be related to our daily lives?  We should affirm the fact that we are all blessed by the Word made flesh’s mercy and love.  But, we should be aware also that the gospel for today invites us to share our blessedness to others with joy and humility in our hearts.  Hence, the visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth reminds and invites us that the real spirit of Christmas is sharing our blessedness to others so that they too may experience their blessedness rooted in Christ’s love.

We pray that the Lord may grant us the grace to share our blessedness to others just like Mary did; she shared her blessedness to Elizabeth humbly, full of joy, and wholeheartedly.  May the Lord bless us all this coming Christmas.      

#ChristmaSerye (The Real Reason of Christmas)

Christmas is near and we cannot but be excited about it.  New gifts, parties, and groovy songs and dances are waiting at stake which really suggests enjoyment and celebration.  But, have we ever do our best to ponder the significance of Christmas into our lives?  Have we really able to see the impact of it in our daily struggles aiming to attain the newness of life?  Let’s join me to journey this Christmas with the purpose of reflecting upon the real importance of Christmas in our lives.

Whenever I perceive that Christmas is near, I cannot but remember the many Christmases that have passed in my life since when I was a child.  I realized, Christmas celebration can never be the same just like the past Christmases when you’re growing up.  It matures, deepened, and become meaningful all the more when we allow our growth to be influenced by it.  On the other hand, what makes it remain the same or similar just like the other Christmases from the past?  Actually, it’s not on the decoration nor the celebrations, nor the gifts itself which really makes it remain the same, it’s the Baby who is born in a  manger, i.e. Jesus.  It’s Jesus who is born on the manger the reason of our continuous growth and maturity every Christmas.  But, what kind of growth and maturity that He always asked us every Christmas?  It’s no other than our new self and our willingness to welcome Him in our hearts.  Hence, Christmas celebrations, decorations, gifts, songs, and dances change but its real message will forever be the same, i.e. the birth of the Baby Jesus in a manger who is the main and real reason of Christmas which invites us to renew ourselves to Him as recipients of His hope and love.      

The Real True Happiness

As Christmas is near we cannot but feel excited and happy about it.  I think, we are all busy in thinking of so many things this coming Christmas like parties, gifts, new clothes to wear, new motif for our decorations, Christmas gimmicks, out of town Christmas vacations, etc. etc.  We are so preoccupied with all of these things having in mind that doing these kind of preparations will make us become happier and blessed this Christmas.  But, let me ask you, how do we regard the importance of the real true happiness in our lives?  How badly do we need it?  But before asking this questions, let us ask ourselves first with this question; do we really experiencing the real true happiness in our lives?  Do we really know what it is?  If not, yesterday’s Third Sunday of Advent also known as the Gaudete Sunday offers us what’s real true happiness is all about.

The readings and the gospel for yesterday gives us three important things that we should consider in pondering and recognizing the worth of true happiness on our lives.  (1) True Happiness cast out discouragements and fears.   In the first reading, Prophet Zephaniah encourages us by saying this words; “Do not fear, Zion, do not be discouraged! The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior, who will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, who will sing joyfully because of you, as on festival days. (Zeph. 3: 16b-17)”   Indeed, a person who is truly happy recognizes that the Lord will never abandon him/her in discouragements and fears if and only if he/she believes in Him, through Him, and with Him.  For instance, if you’re feel so down and troubled with so many trials and challenges that you encounter in life; rejoice and be glad for today the Lord is telling you “I will not abandon you, I will not let you down.  Do not be afraid for I am with you, your True Happiness that will lead you through your prosperity in life.  Have faith and hope in me and I will be your crying shoulder whenever you’re in great difficulty”. (2) True Happiness leads us to real conversion.  The letter of Paul to the Philippians gives us an idea what’s real conversion is all about; i.e. having no anxiety at all, but in everything fortified through prayer and petition, with thanksgiving as the Lord’s coming is near (Phil. 4:6).  Hence, a person who is truly happy gives importance to the invitation of the Advent Season, i.e. real conversion.  Real Conversion should be our reason why we should rejoice for the coming of the Lord.  If today we are not still being attuned with the invitation of this season and still doing your old bad habits and vices, let’s do our best to say our yeses to the invitation by doing it with conviction.  Remember; our best gift for the Lord’s coming is no other than our new self.  (3) True Happiness motivate us to live life in the fullest.  Yesterday’s gospel invites us that true happiness which motivate us to live life in the fullest will only be realized if and only if we have the capacity to share our new self to others.  Indeed, True Happiness, which motivate us to live life in the fullest, is all about real sharing.  The gospel yesterday gives us a concrete scenario how real sharing creates true and authentic happiness, and that scenario is when the crowd and the task collectors asked John the Baptist what then should they do as they expect for the coming of the Messiah.  John the Baptist told them the basic forms of act of random kindness to those who are in need as they prepare their selves for the coming of the Messiah.  John the Baptist believes that true happiness is all about charity and it is meant for sharing.

So, we have just realized and recognized what True Happiness is all about this coming Christmas.  Going back to the three things that I mentioned, let me ask again some questions as our guide for reflection; do I really consider True Happiness as my inspiration to cast out all discouragements and fears that affects my life today?  Am I really convinced about it despite the many preoccupations that I have in mind?  Am I really convinced that True Happiness leads me to real conversion in spite of my shortcomings in life?  Do I really being motivated by True Happiness to live life in the fullest despite the many complexities that I always encounter in my life every day?  Let us pray that the compassionate Lord may grant us the courage and enthusiasm to find the True Happiness in our lives as we prepare ourselves this coming Christmas.        

The Wisdom of Epiphany

They were overjoyed at seeing the Star…When they saw the Child with Mary his mother, they prostrated themselves and did him homage.

As I reflected upon the gospel for today, I asked myself; what’s in the Child that made the three Magi prostrated themselves and did homage to him?  Today is the Solemnity of the Lord’s Epiphany.  “Epiphany” means manifestations.  The manifestation of Jesus’ birth is intended not only for the people of Israel, but also for all nations represented by the Magi.  It means to say, the manifestation of the Child Jesus to the three Magi is very relevant for all of us.  The Lord’s Epiphany shows to us that there are no great leaders, principalities, righteous persons, wise people, royalties, and influential celebrities that could surpass His greatness and revelation that shines forth on everyone and shares salvation for all.  But, there’s one thing that makes the Lord’s Epiphany inspiring, stirring, stimulating, and motivating, i.e. though He was in the form of God, He was born in the manger.  I consider this phenomenon in Jesus’ birth as one of the climactic and impressive scene that made the three Magi moved into joy and contentment.  This is what makes the Child Jesus as the Star for the three Magi.  Definitely, He is really a wonder-child not because of His cuteness and cuddliness, but because of the Truth that He revealed to the learned and wise.

Today, we are like King Herod who always asks this question; “Where is the newborn king of the Jews?”  We are fond of asking where He is, but we don’t risk and seek in order to find Him.  We tend to say into our lips the willingness for letting God to rule our lives, but we don’t put into action the willingness inside our hearts and lips because we are afraid to let go of our comfort zones for the sake of God’s mercy and compassion.  So, we remained indifferent and ignorant about the immensity of God’s love into our lives until now. Instead to be acceded by the Truth, we let our hearts to be misled and enticed by the shallowness of this world; and worst, we consider them as lords.  Who is the real Lord?  The one who gains the more likes in Facebook?  The one who have a lot of followers in Twitter?  The one who sits in the throne of the government who controls everything even the media?  The one who proclaims himself/herself as the richest? The one who declares himself as royal?   Or the One who is born in the manger, humbled Himself though He was the Son of God and in the form of God?  May the Lord’s manifestation be our inspiration and motivation as we do our best to let Him overtake our hearts.

#tidbitsforChristmas (Wish List)

As Christmas is fast-approaching, we cannot but speak about our wishes and dreams for Christmas.  Some would like to receive something new like gadgets, clothing, shoes, accessories, etc.  Others would like just to receive a good amount of money and keep it in order that they may be able to use it for procuring and purchasing what is indicated on their wish lists.  Now that we are preoccupied of thinking, obtaining, and wishing for good gifts this Christmas, there’s one thing that we need to consider as we joyfully wait for the coming of the Lord, i.e. our own wish list for Jesus.

What is our gift for Jesus?  As I reflect upon this question today I feel so uneasy and sad.  For the past Christmases I’ve failed to give my gift to Jesus, i.e. myself.  I easily lose focus on what is necessary and get preoccupied with secondary entities in life.  Every Christmas I always say, “Yes Lord!  I will change my old self into a new self” but even as I put into actions the promises I made to God during Christmas, I fail to make it.  Now Christmas is near and it’s the same old story as I wait for the coming of Baby Jesus.  But, as I ease myself with the uneasiness and sadness that I feel, I realize that God is still patient with me.  Yes, I always fail Him by my inability to show that I am changing and serious on His callings, reminders, and invitations. But for Him it is not a big deal as long as He sees me persevering, hoping, and eagerly patient on welcoming and befriending the changes and newness in my life.  And for Him, that’s already a great gift which comes from my brokenness and shortcomings.

While that we are excited to receive gifts this Christmas, let us not forget our gift/s for the Child Jesus.  For me, my simple gift for the Child Jesus is the same: myself.  Sounds ordinary yet significant. Why?  Because I believe giving ourselves as gift for the Child Jesus this Christmas is not about bragging about the best gift that we could give to Him. Rather, it is all about loving authentically.  This is what Christmas is all about: selfless love. Whenever we light the fire of love in every heart that is experiencing the darkness of winter, it’s Christmas.  Let us always remember, Christmas originated from the Manger of Christ, and that’s a great manifestation of love for each and every one of us who are waiting for His coming.

#tidbitsforChristmas (Home)

It’s so nice to celebrate Christmas with our families, friends, acquaintances, and even our loved ones.  They serve as the reason of what it means to have a complete Christmas because it is really different to celebrate Christmas together with those whom you loved most.  It is already rooted in our nerves to see to it that our presence is connecting with them by way of sharing our smiles, laughters, and cheers.  Our Christmas will never be happy and complete without them even though there’s no giving of gifts and the food is simple.

It’s a sad reality on my part that I am not with my family this coming Christmas.  I miss them so much especially as Christmas is fast-approaching.  It’s a different joy when I am with them celebrating the birth of Jesus.  Now, I am too far to them.  I cannot but be nostalgic about my previous experiences of celebrating Christmas with them.  Henceforth, it’s really a delightful experience to celebrate Christmas with our families, and in this pleasing scenario it adds a good reputation for Christmas as the most wonderful time of the year.

It’s really an unacceptable reality that I am not with them this coming yuletide season.  It’s really a different story when you’re with them in person than greeting them Merry Christmas and saying your best wishes to them with a smile in Facebook, Skype, in chat, SMS, or call.  Although it is a sad reality, I need to be strong and steadfast with my nostalgic tendencies especially now Christmas is near.  In this experience I realize that there’s a time into our lives that to be with our families, friends, acquaintances, and even our loved ones is not permanent and forever.  There’s really a moment for our lives that we need to stand on our own for the sake of a greater good not just for ourselves but also for others.  Yes, it’s natural that we miss them.  I too cannot disregard the fact that I miss them and I long for them.  But, I really need to accept the fact that in life I should learned the art of standing at my own feet.  Although it’s hard to accept this, I should never let my emotions be moved by it because life sooner or later will  not be anymore always between Me and My family, friends, relatives, and acquaintances, but between Me and God.  Again, as I prepare myself with the coming of Jesus, I learned new lesson today, i.e. eventhough Life will never be the same as before, memories will continue to help us to discover that there are things in life which we need to cherish and give importance before it loses.  Eventhough I am not with my family this Christmas, I could still say that my Christmas is complete because they taught the real essence of Christmas, i.e. LOVE, CONCERN, and GRATITUDE.  I am very thankful to them that they taught me these three magical words into my life.

#tidbitsforChristmas (On Saying ‘YES’!)

What it means to say ‘yes’ to an opportunity or to a call?  The Fourth Sunday of Advent shows to me an answer for this question as I reflect upon the Sunday Gospel for today.  The gospel for today, which is taken from the Gospel of  St. Luke, talks about the Annunciation of the Angel Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin Mary.  The Annunciation story is not just a story itself from the Bible, but it also gives to us a lesson which is essential for pondering as we also encounter some experiences in life that needs our firm decisions.  If Mary did not say her ‘yes’ to the Lord for sure there will be no Christmas, and we will never experience or define what is redemption or salvation is all about.  On Mary’s part, probably she was really perspiring or hesitant in hearing or saying her ‘yes’ to Angel Gabriel’s message that she will bore a Son who will be called Holy and the Son of God.  But, all those thingsdid not affect her in saying; “Behold I am the maidservant of the Lord.  May it be done to me according to your Word.”

The gospel for today is really striking my life especially in my vocation journey.  To be honest, it’s really hard to say your ‘yes’ to an opportunity or to a call especially if it is God’s will.  It’s unavoidable to cling with your own plans or wills because you want to achieve something in life, you want to be happy, and you know your shortcomings and limitations.  But, it’s not the case when we speak about following the will of God.  To be honest, to follow the will is really challenging because you really need to deny your plans, wills, aspirations, and even dreams that you desire most.  What made Mary to say her ‘yes’ to God’s call to be the mother of the Messiah?  As I reflected upon the gospel, my thoughts were captivated upon the words of Angel Gabriel to Mary; “Do not be afraid…for nothing will be impossible for God.”  When I encounter this passage in the gospel for today, my eyes shed in tears.  For many years that I am journeying together with my identity as I religious there’s one thing that I can’t still overcome, i.e. fear.  Fear affected me greatly to trust with God’s providential care as I follow Him.  Yes, nothing is impossible for God, but how will I trust in these words of Him if I am afraid to dedicate and commit myself firmly to Him?  Why is it easy for Mary to say her ‘yes’ to God’s invitation, but for me it’s hard?

Really, the Annunciation story is not just a story itself from the Bible.  It serves as a model for me on how I may be able to trust in the Lord’s call without any hesitation in my heart.  Like Mary, I really need to check my trust with the Lord and ask this question to myself; what’s going on in me?  Why is it hard to trust the One that is gracious, merciful, and just.  Mary’s vocation story is really a challenge for my vocation journey.  Once God call you for a great purpose in life there has to be no if’s and but’s.  It’s a matter of firm faith, and to have a firm faith takes a lot of dying with my own self-interests.  As Christmas is fast-approaching I am so glad today that I encounter once again Mary’s vocation story.  It simply conveys to me a message that as I am really doing my best to follow the footsteps of Christ I need really to cast out all my fears and to say this deeply within my heart: “I am a maidservant of the Lord, may it done to me according to His will”.

#tidbitsforChristmas (There’s Humility in the Manger)

Why Jesus was born in the manger?  I always encounter this question whenever I gaze and reflect upon the manger of Christ.  If He is the Son of God, why He was born in the manger?  Does God destine it for Him?  Actually, if I will be asked I don’t know the answer.  I don’t know what’s in the mind and in the will of God for Jesus, but the only thing that I perceive in this episode of Jesus’ life is its message for me.  The manger of Christ invites me to consider the most significant thing in life, i.e. humility.  Jesus was born in the manger in order to show to me and to all of us what it means to be humble like Him.  He is the Son of God, but He chose to be ‘like us’.  Simply put, humility of Jesus is not all about prestige, but selfless love; not all about pride, but compassion; and not all about power, but mercy.

I am truly affected by this insight.  To be honest, I am always at the lost whenever I rendered my kindness and service to others.  To brag my achievements in life sometimes is my uncontrolled tendencies once I converse with people. To be recognized is one of my desires in life as I struggle to be good and pleasing, but this is not authentic life.  Authentic life is all about humility, and that’s what I need to ponder.  As I revisit my past experiences, I realized that I lost a lot of true friendships and trusts not because of indifference but pride.  Pride is my mortal enemy, and this is what the manger of Christ would like to remind me, that pride will never be always beneficial in true relationships.

As the Christmas is fast approaching, another lesson in life is revealed to me again by Christ, i.e. starting prioritizing Him as the model of true humility.  Christmas may be described by its colors, carols, garlands, and symbols, but the real Christmas is not on these things, but is in the manger whereby the Child Jesus would like to tell us; ‘learn from me for I am meek and humble of heart’; and that’s Christmas for Him.

#tidbitsforChristmas (The Real Santa Claus)

When December strikes the calendar Santa Claus becomes the center of fascination of those who long for his gifts especially the children.  Before sleeping, little children will always pray that Santa Claus may be able to pass on their windows or chimneys in order to place their desired gifts below their Christmas trees at night before Christmas.  Ho ho ho!  That’s it!  This is his signature voice that trends always when Christmas is near.  Together with his favorite reindeer named Rudolf and the rest of the reindeers and elves, they are considered as the best personalities and personages of Christmas.

But, have you will be going to believe in me that there’s a person greater than Santa Claus?  Actually, there’s really a person greater than Santa Claus and He is the reason why there’s Christmas.  He is no other than Jesus Christ, our Savior, and our Hope.  For me, He is the real Santa Claus; why? Just like Santa Claus, He brought the Gift when He was born in the manger not just for few, but for all.  That gift does not cease its value immediately.  It is something everlasting, joyful, emancipating, and spirit-filled.  The gift that He brought for our salvation is no other than His self.  This is the reason why we celebrate Christmas.  It’s not about the gifts, the food, the decoration, the party, and the music, but the message of hope and joy which the Child Jesus brought to us conveyed through the simplicity of the manger.  So that’s why Christ was born in the manger in order for us to realize that Christmas is not also all about extravagant expending, but it’s all about reuniting, reconciling, and rerouting our hearts with Christ.  It’s simplicity that must trend this coming Christmas because we could only know the real essence of Christmas if and only if we take to consider simplicity as our binoculars in gazing upon Christ unto our hearts.  As we wait for Christmas, let us not be distracted by the colors and the alluring sounds; instead let us allow Christ to add colors and resounds into our hearts.