From Abundance to Humility: Finding the True Value of Christmas
“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; for he has come to his people and set them free.” ~Lk 1:68
It’s been challenging to articulate the insights that emerged as I prepared this reflection, so I reserve the right to revisit these thoughts next year.
Two main paths came to mind meditating on the night before Christmas.
- The Holy Family’s journey
- My childhood festivities
The Holy Family’s Journey: after several days of travel, they stop in Bethlehem, most likely due to the Roman census requirement to register at a certain place related to their family lineage. While there’s no clear evidence whose home they stayed in, it’s certain they rested in the space where animals were kept. When the baby is born, he is placed in a manger (the basin were some food was left for the animals).
A very humble welcome for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Reflecting on my childhood festivities prompted a comparison between then and now. Before college, our reunions were major celebrations. Dozens of children, hundreds of gifts, and decorations everywhere with young and old having a great time. As time passed, the reunions got smaller due to families moving, adult children forming their families, and life events taking us separate ways. This past year, Christmas eve was with my immediate family, my grandmother, and a close friend of my mother. No major gift giving ceremony or big party feel.
It went from clear signals of abundance to a humble family meal.
How do these threads connect?
The change in my festivities prompted some sadness that we aren’t as close as before. But, it also creates space to refocus of what truly matters: love, joy, and quality time with those we care most about.
It is the latter insight that highlighted for me the circumstances of the birth of Jesus. God became man and came to this world in humblest of situations to gives us a chance for freedom and salvation.
It’s a reminder that we often overlook what truly matters when preparing Christmas celebrations and the flashy elements can distract from genuine connection.
As we transition from advent to Christmas, may we remember to pause for a bit and ask the Holy Spirit to open our minds and heart to recognize and appreciate the true value of Christmas.
In peace,
~Juan
