Can we be a light to others?

We are again approaching the end of another year. And once more, we herald the advent of Christmas by coming together to celebrate an exceptionally festive season—in fact the longest in this country embracing the “ber” months (September to December). That’s why it is not surprising to hear people say we have three seasons: the rainy season, the dry season and the Christmas season.

At times, I wonder whether it is an accident or design that Christmas comes before the end of the year. Whatever it is, it seems to come in no better time such that no matter how barren the whole year may have been, it is capped with a happy ending.

What would happen if we ended the year on a Holy Week? Or it could be a variety of possibilities beyond our imaginings.

Be that as it may, what makes Christmas a wondrous event? What makes it festive? Is it the trimmings of the moment? Is it the nostalgic ambiance of cool December’s simbang gabi, the rice cakes partnered with ginger tea, hot chocolate or taho? Could it be the Christmas lanterns? Or perhaps, the year-end bonuses or the gift-giving that have seemingly become more retaliatory than reciprocal? Maybe, it’s generally the extravaganza of the season … the one instance we splurge in sweet abandon and let savings fly out fast?

Doesn’t that describe the modern-day Yuletide when, with the economics of mass production charmed by the tradition of exchange gifts, business is at its briskest and traders make the killing? Has “X-mas,” or the abridged version that crosses out Christ in Christmas, wrapped us up in what the world has to sell that we already miss what God has to give?

Beyond the business, isn’t there a more profound significance to the occasion, a broader import that transcends the worldly and the pleasurable?

Reason for Christmas

This brings us to the real reason for Christmas—a commemoration of the birth of the Redeemer, the greatest gift of the Almighty to his people that they may be brought back to His fold, like the flock to his Shepherd.

However, the pervasive influence of consumerism has blurred the message of Christmas. And unwittingly, we confuse our life’s compass and lose sight of the season’s essence.

The “Light up for Christ” evening program, an annual ceremonial blessing and lighting of the Nativity Scene (observed universally on the first Tuesday of December, under the auspices of the Knights of Columbus’ councils worldwide), should keep us on the right path. It reemphasizes the true message of Christmas … resets our moorings and refocus homage to the real Celebrant. For Christmas, it is said, is not a simple holiday. “It is a hallowed day.” A day of caring, of “bringing cheers to the children, the elderly, the sick and loveless; of getting families together to pray, to sing Christmas carols, to greet people and do good; to clean up our dressers, cabinets or stock rooms and donate still usable clothes, shoes, blankets or food items” to programs for the needy.

A light to others

The “Light Up” event reminds us all that we, too, can be a light to others … “to dispel the darkness and drive away evil where it thrives; live a life of truth and goodness, and let God’s words shine in each other’s lives” so says the Holy Scriptures.

And it is the best gift yet we can offer to the newborn King. For “what we do unto the least of our brethren, we do it unto Him!” In sum, let me echo this story attributed to author Halford E. Luccock: “A little boy was saying his prayers a few nights before Christmas when he stopped suddenly and, with a worried look, asked his mother a question: What are we giving God for Christmas?”

What does God expect for Christmas? One searching question from one innocent soul.Is God in our Christmas list, dear friends? INQ

This article reflects the personal opinion of the author and does not reflect the official stand of the Management Association of the Philippines. The author is management and development finance consultant, past president and advisory council member of the Government Association of CPAs, past director of PICPA, and former senior officer of Land Bank of the Philippines. Send feedback to [email protected] and [email protected]. For previous articles, please visit map.org.ph.