A Lesson to Be Learned
As I read and began reflecting on the readings for today, I was reminded of a story my grandmother shared with me about her and her twin sister one Christmas. During this one particular Christmas, they received baby dolls from my great grandfather who was a Brick Mason. He did backbreaking work, day in and day out, to provide for his family and wanted to give his two young daughters the presents they asked for at Christmas. They had been talking about dolls every day leading up to the holiday. So, he handed them the two smartly wrapped gift boxes and with excitement in everyone’s eyes, the twins ripped open the packages to reveal the joy inside.
What happened next? The twins looked at each other and burst into tears yelling, “these weren’t the dolls we wanted!!!!” Immediately, my great grandfather went from Brick Mason to Life Coach when he grabbed the two outcasted toys, tossed them in the trunk of his car, and carried on with the rest of the family celebration. The twins instantly realized their ingratitude left them without toys for Christmas.
My grandmother shared this story with me and my cousins around the dinner table regularly to teach us, from her personal experience, how important gratitude is for gifts given to us. Which brings me to today’s reflection.
God As Gift
The message is this, “God is GIFT” (John 3:16-19). The first letter of Saint John tells us repeatedly about our God’s generosity. “We receive from Him whatever we ask” (1 John 3:22) and that gift is God Himself. God the Father gives Jesus in the flesh to all the nations (Psalms 2:8) as a gift. And Jesus gifted the nations with Himself as He went around “teaching… and curing every disease and illness among the people” (Matthew 4:23). Then, Our Lord gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit (1 John 3:24) who aids us in discerning what is of God and acknowledging Jesus Christ incarnate (1 John 4:1-3). Moreover, we know from our catechesis and Scripture, the Holy Spirit graces us with many gifts: such as healing, piety, fortitude and understanding (Isaiah 11:1-3 and 1 Corinthians 12:27-31). These gifts of the Holy Spirit allow us to be aware of the Gift that is God Himself, God with Us, Emmanuel; and to be pleasing and grateful to our God.
Gratitude
Let not another Christmas season be reduced to a single day where we find ourselves preferring things of the world over “the light Who came into the world as gift (John 3:16-17) and IS the reason for the season”. May we always love one another as Christ instructed and may we always remain in Him.
When does Christmas end for you? Whether Christmas ended the day after the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord on December 26th, on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord on January 8th, or Candlemas on February 2nd; the question remains: Is Jesus your most cherished and sought-after gift?
Thank you. Tristan, for sharing your stories. Beautiful examples of God’s active presence in our lives. He is with us always.
As I read, I was deeply moved by the Holy Spirit. Thank you for sharing a family story so beautifully.. Mostly thanks so very much for sharing the true gifts of Christmas. I have 4.5 yr old twin granddaughters, reading the story will be added to our Christmas traditions.
Genuinely felt, beautifully expressed, Tristan.
And yes, I’m trying mightily to remain in Christmas.