What Matter in Christmas is Mater, right?

I have been spared from materialism this Christmas!

I have not been going out much so I didn't get to see the crowded malls, the busy shopping areas, the bright lights and decors that adorn the streets, buildings and most areas during Christmas.

The decors we put at home were old Christmas lights (that still worked, thank God!) on our window, the Belen (nativity scene) with small Christmas tree that goes with the scene plus another small one (though slightly bigger than the other) on top of another cabinet where some of the gifts were placed. The church has been saying that we should focus Christmas back to Christ and I'm happy that we had a simple Christmas celebration this year.

As I was reflecting on the call to bring the focus of Christmas back to Christ, I thought that Mary's "Yes" to the Angel Gabriel was the best gift Christ had. Christ's Christmas gift was his mother, or "Mater" in Latin. Mary and Joseph on the other hand had Christ as their gift -- His presence in their lives! Yet, they had other good gifts in between. For like us, I figured that they too had moment of doubts when they said their "Yes" to God that they somehow need assurances too.

Mary's biggest assurance came when she went to visit her cousin Elizabeth to serve her. When Elizabeth proclaimed her greeting to her after John, the child in her womb leaped for Joy, Mary was so filled with happiness that she exclaimed her Magnificat. The Angel was right!

I also thought that the three magi's visit was more for Joseph than for Christ. Babies don't care for gifts and Christ like any baby would not have appreciated the gold, frankincense and myrrh they brought but would rather have His mother's milk and touch! But I could imagine the effect of the three magi's presence to Joseph! He would have been very happy and reassured that he made the right decision when he listened to the angel in his dream and took Mary as his wife even if she was with child. For now before him was Christ, the savior! And though not that important, their gifts had bearing too, for he would have used it to care for his family when they flee to Egypt.

So material gifts we give and receive on Christmas are good but our presence and love to our friends are better. And we should remember that Christ's presence in our life is our biggest gift not just on Christmas but everyday of our lives. He is always there for us even if we don't always feel His presence. However, it is always great to get reassurances of His presence and love.

A merry and blessed Christmas to all!

May we always be sensitive t0 Christ's presence in our lives! And may our presence to others remind them of Christ in their lives! (",)