Diocese of Antipolo Bishop and CBCP Promoter of Stella Maris Philippines Ruperto C. Santos has reminded the faithful to focus on the true essence of Christmas - Christ.

“Avoid the rush and focus on Christ,” the Church leader said in his Christmas message.

“Nowadays, we live in a world where many voices call us to follow their lead. Some of the people or things that appeal to us can be: family members, friends, career, ambition, or even hobbies. It is very easy to get confused. Most particularly at Christmas time, when we should be focusing on its true meaning, which is the coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. The demands of this season makes it easy to forget who Jesus truly is and what He is all about,” the bishop said.

Bishop Santos gave three important reminders for the faithful to able to refocus on the true meaning of Christmas- to obey, to sacrifice and to offer.

“How do we refocus ourselves on the true meaning of Christmas and be more like Jesus? Let me share these three important reminders: To Obey To Sacrifice To Offer.”

“First, to obey. Jesus displayed the ultimate obedience when He followed the will of our Heavenly Father by being born of the Virgin Mary. He was born to provide reconciliation. The Lord Jesus willingly and purposefully obeyed so we can be restored before the throne of God. Jesus’ earthly parents, the Virgin Mary and Joseph, did the same thing. They were perfect examples of faithful obedience to God’s call. At the Annunciation, Mary manifested total obedience to God’s perfect will and plan for her. When the angel Gabriel appeared to her and told her she will bear a Son  who shall be named Jesus, she unreservedly accepted the call of God. Even as a young woman, fear did not stop her. Instead, she kept her eyes on God. Her obedience mirrors her deep faith by willingly giving up her own personal plans in favor of God’s will for her life. The same can be said of Joseph. When he discovered that Mary was pregnant, he secretly considered divorcing Mary to avoid further shame for her. However, when he heard from the angel of the Lord to stay with Mary, he obeyed without any hesitation. Through Joseph’s obedience, he protected Mary from shame,” the prelate said.

“Joseph also followed in faith when Herod wanted to kill the baby Jesus. The angel of the Lord told him to flee to Egypt and he did not waste time. Joseph gathered all their belongings, fled that same night and stayed there until Herod died,” he added.

Bishop Santos stressed that “we have to choose to obey and put our faith in God and His promises. The way Jesus, Mary and Joseph lived their lives here on earth should inspire us to live in obedience and faithfulness, even if it means sacrificing our own desires. In submitting to God’s will, we humbly accept God’s sovereignty over our lives. This Christmas season, let us set aside whatever distracts us from complete obedience to God and say: so be it Lord. What would you like me to do?”

The Church leader said that in addition to obedience, we must also be willing to sacrifice like what Jesus, Mary and Joseph did.

“When Christ was born, He willingly set aside His immortality and the majesty of heaven. He allowed Himself to feel hunger, thirst, tiredness, and pain. God is everywhere, yet Jesus confined Himself to time and space during His earthly ministry. He uncrowned Himself so we will be crowned with grace and mercy. Likewise, Joseph and Mary sacrificed too when Jesus was about to be born and no one was willing to help. This season, may I ask you, what have you sacrificed in your personal faith walk? What are you willing to sacrifice no matter how difficult? Jesus’ love comprised every sacrifice He made. Genuine love is not just expressed by what we give. Rather, it is characterized by what we are willing to give up for others,” said Bishop Santos 

The prelate likewise called on the faithful to offer themselves completely to God.

“Christmas is more than the act of giving. The true essence of Christmas is to offer, to offer ourselves completely to God. Jesus exemplified selflessness. He humbled Himself to become human and offered His life for our sins.. The same goes for Joseph and Mary. Both offered their lives freely by allowing God to fulfill His plans for them without any question. Mary offered her life by allowing the Holy Spirit to come upon her and bear the Son of God. In doing so, her life changed instantly. In the same manner, Joseph offered his life to God by letting God take control of his life. He offered his life to Mary and Jesus, becoming the protector of his little family. Not only an obedient servant of God, he was a loving and supportive husband to Mary. As well as a concerned father to Jesus. Let us then look deep inside us and reflect on what Christmas really means for us. Let us look around and see what Christmas means to others. It is obvious that it is celebrated with gifts, decorations, and parties as a holiday. But ask yourselves, did Jesus come so we can celebrate His birthday with expensive presents, cards, and parties? Is that what Jesus really wants from us? Let us come to mind, nothing will please God more than when we offer ourselves to Him humbly and wholeheartedly,” the bishop said.

Bishop Santos urged the faithful to observe Christmas by simply focusing on Christ.

“As followers of Jesus, we should consider offering beyond convenience or our comfort zone, be it time, talent, skills or money. This Christmas, avoid the rush and instead, focus on Christ. Skip the extravagance and instead, find simplicity. The true focus of Christmas should stem from the gratitude for what God had done in your life,” he said.