Moments (Almost Christmas)

Almost Christmas

By Fr. Jerry Orbos
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:19:00 12/21/2008

Filed Under: Religions, Festive Events (including Carnivals)

THE story is told about a teacher who told his class that she will give $10 to the child who can name the most famous man who ever lived. An Irish boy said, it was St. Patrick, a Swiss boy said, it was St. Nicholas de Flue. A Filipino boy said, it was Dr. Jose Rizal. The teacher refuted all of them saying those they mentioned were not famous worldwide. Finally a Jewish boy said: “Jesus Christ!” The teacher congratulated him but wondered why he mentioned Jesus Christ since he was a Jew. “Deep in my heart, I know it’s Moses, but, ma’am, business is business,” the boy said with a smile as he pocketed the $10.

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In today’s Gospel (Lk. 1, 26-38) we read about Mary who lived and believed in Christmas 100 percent. She had a lot of doubts and questions, but she believed in the angel’s message that “nothing will be impossible for God.” That’s full and total Christmas.

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For many of us, it’s almost Christmas, but not quite. All the trimmings of Christmas have blinded us and have diverted our focus from the Christ-child. And so it is that, so engrossed in our preparations and decorations, we forget the birthday celebrant, the person. And because of the pressures and the rush, we forget that Christmas is all about persons, and not so much about collections and celebrations.

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We have adulterated Christmas. This dawned on me when I greeted a government official “Merry Christmas,” and he greeted me back: “Merry Christmas, Father, without malice!” At first I could not make out the “without malice” part. Later on, I realized that the “Merry Christmas” greeting especially in some government offices meant asking for gifts or money. That’s how low we have gone in terms of honesty and transparency in our country to the point that a simple innocent greeting such as “Merry Christmas” has become a suggestion, a demand, or even a threat.

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Almost Christmas, but not quite, for those who look at the Nativity scene and focus on the gold, frankincense, and myrrh instead of the Holy Family. Our lack or surplus of money should not affect the Christmas spirit in our families.

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Almost Christmas, but not quite, for those who focus on the goats and sheep at the Nativity scene and think of parties, drinks and food and forget to share their bounty to so many suffering and hungry people around them, and who also forget spiritual food for their own malnourished souls, especially during Christmas.

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Almost Christmas, but not quite, for those who focus on their worldly, political, and economic agenda at Christmas, instead of just being grateful, obedient and humble before the God-child whose only agenda was to do His Father’s will, and whose only mission was to serve and to love.

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Almost Christmas, but not quite for those who look at the Nativity scene and focus on the ugliness and stench of the manger, and forget the dirt and mess in their own hearts and in their relationship with God and with others. Purity of heart, that’s what Christmas is all about for Joseph, Mary and the Infant. Hopefully, too, for us.

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Finally, almost Christmas, but not quite, for those who look at the Nativity scene and focus on the Three Kings and become so engrossed on power, or staying in power by all and by any means, and forget that all power comes from God and should be used for God and for His people, not for themselves.

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Is there anything “impossible” in your life right now? Like Mary, may we learn to trust, believe and hope against all odds. Like Mary, may we be open to the “Big Picture” that God presents to us, and may we see that whatever has happened, whatever is happening, whatever will happen are according to His will, timing and plan. Unless and until we learn to be submissive and obedient to God, it is almost, but not quite Christmas in our lives.

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Wishing you all a Merry Christmas (without malice!). More so, I wish you all a “Mary Christmas.” Mama Mary’s first Christmas was simple but pure, poor but joyful, bare but love-full, insecure but hopeful.

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Think about it: There were people who were with us last Christmas and are no longer with us this Christmas. And, there are people who are with us this Christmas who may not be anymore with us next Christmas. So why don’t we make it the best Christmas yet? Let us not postpone our conversion. Let us not postpone our loving.

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Fr. Glenn Paul Gomez, SVD, has a new book titled “Enjoy Life...in the Right Sense” Volume II. Father Glenn and I will be on ABS-CBN (Channel 2 and TFC) on Christmas Eve, for The Healing Eucharist which will be aired midnight of Dec. 24. One with you in remembering, in rejoicing and renewing the best thing that ever happened to our world—Christmas!

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A moment with the Lord:

Lord, remind me it’s almost Christmas but not quite, if love and peace are not in my heart. Amen.