Checklist for Christmas

Question: What did Adam say to Eve on the day before Christmas?

Answer: “It’s Christmas Eve.”

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It’s 10 days before Christmas. Today is Gaudete Sunday. As we light the third candle of the Advent wreath, we are all reminded to rejoice and to be joyful. “Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the Great and Holy One of Israel!” (Isaiah 12)

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In today’s Gospel (Luke 3:10 -18) we are told that the source of true joy is that of being good: “Whoever has two cloaks should share it with a person who has none” (Luke 3:11). May we go beyond our comfort zones, and our holiday mode, and reach out to the last, the least, and the lost in our midst. “When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone, when the kings and princes are home, when the shepherds are back with their flock, the work of Christmas begins—to find the lost, to heal the broken, to feed the hungry, to release the prisoner, to rebuild the nations, to bring peace among others, to make music in the heart.” (The Work of Christmas, Howard Thurman)

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True joy also comes from being true and honest in our serving others. To those who collect taxes, John the Baptist’s teaching is very clear: “Stop collecting more than what is required.” (Luke 3:13)

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To those in the police or in the military, John the Baptist has this to say: “Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.” (Luke 3: 14)

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“What should we do?” Let us go back to our hearts, and make a personal checklist on what to do to truly prepare for Christmas.

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“Handa ka na ba? (Are you prepared?)” Many of us are focused on our external preparations for the Christmas season like decorations, gifts, parties, noche buena meal, etc. Let us be mindful that there are so many people around us who have little to prepare externally, or have nothing at all, because of poverty and deprivation.

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“Ganda ka na ba? (Are you beautiful?)” Christmas is not going to happen in the malls, or in the parties, and revelries. It has to happen in the heart. To have a beautiful heart, you take the road of reconciliation and forgiveness. A good confession, a good talk or reaching out to others, and a sharing of your time, talent, and treasures to the sick and the poor—these are things that really gladden and cleanse our hearts.

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“Tanda mo na ba? (Do you remember?)” Try to find the time to remember that Christmas is all about a God who loved us so much that He gave His Only Begotten Son … (John 3:16). Remember, too, that we are to respect and love each other, and that we have a mission in this world. Don’t forget that our final destination is Heaven, and that we carry nothing with us when we leave this world, except the love and goodness that we have shared.

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We honor St. John the Baptist who never stopped saying “One mightier than I is coming” (Luke 3:16; Mark 1:7-11). This was a man who knew how to fade away, and not steal the light from his Master. If only we all learned to be humble, obedient, and grateful to Someone greater than ourselves! Life is more peaceful and meaningful if we apply BTS—Believe, Trust, Surrender everything and everyone to our loving Father. Trust the Lord more, worry less. Focus on the Lord, not on the load.

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The Misa de Gallo and the Simbang Gabi is one good way of preparing Christmas. This involves sacrifice, diligence, and perseverance to prepare for the coming of our newborn King. Let us do it with joy, and with the heart.

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“Poor persons will never disappear from the earth. That’s why I’m giving you this command: you must open your hand generously to your fellow Israelites, to the needy among you, and to the poor who live with you in your land.” (Deuteronomy 15:11) Time to let go of our accumulated stuff that are just gathering dust, and to share our extra cash which can make so many people so very happy this Christmas. No? Perhaps next Christmas? For sure, next Christmas will come but, we are not sure if we will still be around. So, now na. Do not postpone your conversion, and do not postpone your loving and sharing.

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