“Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!”

“My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?” ― Bob Hope: (1903 –2003: was an American comedian, actor, and singer)

Gospel Text: (Jn 1: 9 – 14)

For the Light was coming into the world, the true Light that enlightens everyone.  He was already in the world and through him the world was made, the very world that did not know him. 

He came into his own, yet his own people did not receive him; but all who have received him he empowers to become children of God for they believe in his Name.  These are born, but without seed or carnal desire or will of man: they are born of God. 

And the Word was made flesh; he had his tent pitched among us, for we have seen his Glory, the Glory of the only Son, coming from the Father:  fullness of truth and loving-kindness.

Traditionally gifts are not opened until Christmas Day itself: if gifts are not so much about the object given but about the giver's love, then it is indeed fitting that gifts be opened on Christmas Day itself.

Because on Christmas Day God's gift pierces the core of all giving. By gifting us not with an object of whatever value but with his very self, God has indeed gifted us with the giver's love in crystallized form, love in its supreme and divine expression.

Today as we open the gifts given to us, may we focus more on the love for us expressed by the gift-givers through their gifts. And as we are grateful for the gifts received and the love of the givers, may our thanksgiving be anchored in thanksgiving to God who today gave us the greatest gift, his own Love in the person of his only Son.