Christmas True

I was in Manila the other day.  Street kids and still abled adults were swarming the streets and jeepneys. Some came with more sophisticated envelops, some simply sang their Christmas Carols.

I did not usually give money to any of them. But, that time I allowed my self to give justice to the two boys who sang really well in duet . I tossed some coins and said, "You did well."  I thought, they deserved it.



We usually give presents to people because we believe they deserve them. And there's nothing wrong with that. It's justice. But Christmas is not about justice. No.
Christmas teaches us that there is more noble and more profound than justice, which is giving what is due to others.

The message of Christmas is giving what is not due to others. Humanity did not deserve any forgiveness.  God loves us not because we're good.  God loves us because He is good and wants to share His goodness with us.

Forgiveness does not demand.
Forgiveness is offered before anybody could ask for it.

Presents are not deserved.
Presents are given because it's divine to give.

Love is not a payment for being good.
Love is given because it's our nature to love...

Merry Christmas :)

Father,
Thank You for the gift of this Season.
Christmas is here once again.
May we celebrate its true meaning
And refrain from measuring our happiness
With the presents we receive,
In Jesus’ Name.
Amen.

photo: justmeans.com| posted by john b. bejo