A Christmas story

LETTERS FROM THE AGNO

March L. Fianza

 Shiny gifts making the poor poorer. When there are countries that are in crisis due to natural and man-made calamities, at a time when a new year approaches and the celebration for the birth of Jesus comes near, it cannot be avoided that children, rich and poor, expect to receive gifts. This situation has been indoctrinated erroneously in societies all over since the start of Christianity. While there is the practice that tells many that Christmas time is gift-giving time, I believe otherwise since in the first place, that should not have been – and because Christmas and the birth of Christ should not be leveled with the love for material things.

I may be sounding like an errant “born-against” preacher but I also believe that preachers have the role to correct misimpressions of what Christmas is all about and how the birth of Christ is celebrated. Please don’t get me wrong, of course we all want to receive gifts and we also want to give gifts, but from whom, to whom, and when? As a young schoolboy, I do not clearly remember how many times I received gifts during Christmas time. But I do remember clearly that I get a new pair of shoes and a new pair of pants before the school year opens. When my shoes wear out and the pants are nearly tattered, my parents make sure that I get new ones. I think my parents were “practicing” Christmas the right thing – giving their kids the proper gifts at the proper time.

On TV, it troubles the mind when celebrities in their kapamilya, kapuso and whatever kapasikat talk-show programs discuss and praise new shiny gift items they give or receive. It is best that I change channel immediately, not because it makes me envious or salivate but I find my situation more reduced. And for the poor who watch these shows, certainly they feel less fortunate.

Last week, I received one of the best text messages ever sent to me. It came from a very special one whom I truly adore because of the way this friend of mine treats the people around. It said: “There are many reasons why some good things do not last. But there is only one explanation to it… the best is yet to come.” The message gives us hope, especially at these trying times.

Wishing you all the best this Christmas and in the year to come. – ozram.666@gmail.com