Loving Abundance

For as long as I can remember,  Christmas traditions in the Philippines (in my home) begin with me joyfully associating the season with the following things:  My hormones jumping with excitement as I await the day I would board the airplane or the boat that would bring me home to my parents; taking on the role of “Santa Claus” for the week while I wrapped and delivered gifts minus the flying reindeers; house hopping to attend parties, partaking of the sumptuous and mouthwatering dishes, reconnecting and sharing of past experiences with friends and relatives; and most of all, getting the chance to celebrate mass as a family on Christmas day.

I still remember December 24, 2005 vividly.  We had planned to attend Simbang Gabi. misa de gallo or  “the midnight mass” as part of the family’s Christmas tradition. As we entered the church,  it was already flooded with people an hour before the mass would even start! My ever thoughtful Dad offered to go home and get some folded chairs for us. We didn’t refuse his generous offer.  The mass such as this is usually a long one and the chairs would surely help our tired legs.

To the eyes of a city dweller, it was a simple celebration — a typical Filipino Christmas tradition of the midnight mass in the province. The church was a far cry from the huge and grand churches that were available in the big cities.  I remember noticing the offbeat singing of the choir and how they were mispronouncing the words. The sermon was boring as the priest just read from a paper, hardly connecting with his audience. The sound system was awful so one could hardly decipher the words.

But as I sat there, something stirred within me.  Something I didn’t quite expect.  I don’t even know how it happened.  But I could suddenly feel the sweet presence of Jesus and His innocence seemed to permeate the place. His love seemed to be beckoning, inviting me to open my heart. Slowly, unknowingly my heart began to be transformed.

With new eyes, I watched the whole scene differently this time. I saw how the poor folks came to church wearing their best Sunday dresses.  I gazed at the long line of people walking to the altar as they offered their little gifts wrapped in simple papers.  I listened to the singers who were singing with their hearts out.

It was suddenly so beautiful, so real in its rawness!   Devoid of the glitter and the glamour, I was warmed by the experience.  And amidst the not-so-nice-things, I was feeling very blessed. I realized it didn’t matter anymore.  What mattered more was the heart of the giver and the service that was done with great love.

For isn’t love the essence of  Christmas traditions after all? The heart of Christmas traditions come from loving Him. It is our very own special way of expressing our love and gratitude to Him who loves us dearly. Doing ordinary things in an extraordinary way for the church, the family, friends and even strangers during this season of love are Christmas traditions I now appreciate more deeply.

Christmas traditions are love expressions of jubilation. May His love renew you this Christmas and always.

By:  Michelle Simtoco