It's Christmas

During this Christmas season, I become aware of the excesses of consumerism.. So, is there really an energy crisis with so many lights?!… It's easy to fall into moralizing at this time of year, criticizing the Christmas atmosphere without the Christ Child. We Christians, who believe in God who becomes a Child, can contribute more to the joy and hope that come with the birth of Jesus the Savior.

From our window we see the world and quickly realize that it is not perfect.. We see so much misery, corruption, violence, injustice… so many things that revolt us. But we also see so much enchanting natural beauty, so many horizons of light and color.

This Christmas season, the best we can do is enjoy our lives, be grateful for them, and allow the Christ Child to be born in our hearts as well. May there be a nativity scene in your life.

When contemplating the Nativity scene, I believe in the simplicity of the Birth of Jesus Christ, which changed the History of Humanity. “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” At Christmas we celebrate Life, above all, the Life of God within us. But we also receive the mission to give life. Whoever has it in abundance will certainly not keep it to themselves. That is why we think about the gifts to give, especially to the people to whom we want to give something, because they are important to us. Beyond mere affection or tradition, we give gifts because we carry these people in our hearts and offer a gift as a gesture of affection, write a few words wishing them “Happy Holidays,” or simply give a hug. Let us not forget that the best gift is to be present.

It is through this medium that we also make ourselves present.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year full of God's blessings.

Fr. Luís Manuel C. Bairrada CPPS