THE GIFT OF SELF

Giving gifts to friends, co-workers, schoolmates, and loved ones has become a part of our celebration of Christmas. This custom originates from the Gospel story of the three wise men who came from the East and offered gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the newborn Jesus. Our Lord Jesus Christ received gifts during the first Christmas. This is the reason why gift-giving is very much alive during the commemoration of His birth. 

 

But if we will meditate upon this closely, who is really the receiver and giver of the gift during the first Christmas? Is it Jesus who offered his own life for us that we may be saved from sin? Or is it not us who first received the gift of Life of Jesus for our salvation? And is it not us who are tasked to share the gift of Jesus to others? And is it not us who are challenged to give ourselves as gift for others, not just during Christmas but at all times?

Giving gifts during Christmas does not pertain only to the giving of material things. More than these is the giving of oneself to the others, especially to those who are in need of companions in their loneliness, suffering and sorrow. The giving of oneself, perhaps, is the greatest gift one can offer to the other, in imitation of Jesus who offered his life for us all when he was born and crucified on the cross. This kind of gift giving-- giving oneself for the other-- is pleasing to the eyes of God and will remain with Him forever.

This coming Christmas, do not be alone or be selfish. Share to others. As the cliché goes, presence is the best present.