The Christmas rush should be about meeting Jesus, not expensive gifts, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula told Catholics in his Christmas message on Saturday, Dec. 24.
Advincula said chasing material things strays from commemorating the birth of Jesus.
“Let us rush, not for the consumption and entertainment that the world allures us to, but for mission and encounter with the Lord. Like the shepherds, let us go in haste to meet and see Jesus, our Savior,” he said.
The prelate pointed to the shepherds’ acceptance of God’s invitation to personal conversion, societal transformation and diversity, and solidarity-building.
“Ibigay natin ang sarili natin sa paghayo mula sa ating mga sarili, patungo kay Hesus, patungo sa kapwa. Like the shepherds, let us embrace the spirit of ‘crossing over’ to encounter the Christ-child in the other,” he said.
Advincula also emphasized the importance of vigilance and contemplation for the suffering of others.
“Sa Paskong ito, magmasid tayo. Let us contemplate the presence of Jesus in our brothers and sisters, especially the needy and the suffering. Like the shepherds, let us recover the art of keeping watch,” he said. Ammiel B. Maestrado
