it's all about the yes

it was hard taking to heart the Mass last night since it was in deep Cebuano. while I can understand and converse in the language, listening for an entire two hours can be draining. there were a lot of words missed here and there. considering that i have the tendency to get lost in a regular English or Tagalog Mass.

I decided to reflect on my own instead of following the priest sermon. i remember watching "the Nativity" last year and finding myself more touched by it than "The Passion of the Christ." I felt somewhat guilty feeling since it is Holy Week that is the most meaningful Catholic celebration.

However, as I look back at "the Nativity," it was probably the humanity of everyone surrounding Christ that touched me the most. I kept wondering what if Mary said no... what if Mary said yes but Joseph said no... what if the three Magi decided that the star was just another star... what if they did not listen to the angel or if they do not believe in it...

the birth of Christ became possible not merely because God willed it to be, but rather the people he asked let their free will and choice to bring forth the event of the birth of He who is to save us all.

it is and will always be about the YES. it started with Mary's yes and ultimately Jesus's yes to accept his destiny as God to suffer for mankind.

yes, Christmas is all about the giving. while it takes form of gifts for mankind... each gift that is given should be a symbol of a yes being shared with that person. our yeses to the people we love... our yeses that in the end returns to that little child born on the manger.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!