Rm Agustinus Sutiono O.Carm<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I have seen and experienced how Christmas is celebrated in Europe, in Asia and now in Peru. The atmosphere of joy is the same. There is so much food, and lots of gifts during this holy season. The spirit of generosity and joy is felt everywhere. If we go out to the city, such ambience is more overwhelming because of decorations in the streets and buildings, giant Christmas tree in the squares, flicking lights and the sound of the Christmas songs. Shopping centres were packed by many people who looked for stuffs for Christmas gifts. Everyone wants to be able to give away gifts, wants to show kindness, wants to be kind, not dangerous nor terrifying to others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apart from the story about Saint Nicholas or Father Christmas or Santa Claus who generously gave away foods and gifts to families in need, we agree that Christmas is an anual season of generosity, kindness and joy. Food sharing, gift changing, laughter, family gathering and story telling are things that make Christmas is so special, very much missed by everyone and has made the culture of Christmas being handed down from generations to generations. The spirit of generosity, kindness and joy originates from the essence of Christmas itself as a spiritual and historical reality. It reminds us to our call to become a light for our surrounding, as it is said that we are the light of the world. Such acts of kindness make life bright.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The readings that we have today direct us to see that the birth of Jesus Christ is a gift from God. God has granted us pardon, shown his mercy, given us Jesus as a model of how to become persons able to please God and rightly worship Him with truth and spirit in words and in our deeds. Not only that, we thank God for Christmas because everytime we celebrate it, we are invited again and again the importance of becoming a person with humble, meek and gentle of heart. These characters are what are essential for the creation of inner peace, clarity of mind and the calmness of soul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As we look at the child Jesus, we are made aware that originally we are a gentle creature with a meekness of a baby, bringing joy and not causing fear to the life of others. Seeing the hay that was beneath his body, we are reminded to the truth that it is only simplicity and humility of heart which become the dwelling place for the Word of God. As we reflect on the city of Betlehem, meaning the house of bread, where he was born, we remember that Jesus introduced Himself as the soft bread of life. These are our original characters as human being. Being generous and our willingness to give away gifts to our beloved ones are only manifestation of it. However, in its depth, Christmas is our celebration about our original nature as a new man guided by the spirit of Christ as the new Adam. Christ is the true light, the wisdom of God. Every heart who is called to come near to Him, to believe in Him, to befriend with Him, will turn also into light, which means, to become a person who learn, week, love share and practise every wisdom of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I do not know what you are feeling now. I wish you have a happy Christmas with your family and beloved ones. May your joy be complete! Merry Christmas! \u00a1Feliz Navidad!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Rm Agustinus Sutiono O.Carm I have seen and experienced how Christmas is celebrated in Europe, in Asia and now in Peru. The atmosphere of joy is the same. There is so much food, and lots of gifts during this holy season. The spirit of generosity and joy is felt everywhere. If we go out to the city, such ambience is more overwhelming because of decorations in the streets and buildings, giant Christmas tree in the squares, flicking lights and the…<\/p>\n