As the holiday season draws near, the congestion in Manila’s traffic is intensifying.

Individuals, buoyed by newly received bonuses and incentives, are navigating from one mall to the next in pursuit of the perfect gifts for their loved ones and, perhaps, a treat for themselves.

All these plus online platforms seeking our attention through the genius of double-digit date and payday sales. 

With all this busyness striving to shift our attention from the reason for the season, it’s worth going back to truly understand the very essence of this holiday.

For one, it’s important to know the core of the word Christmas is Christ himself.

The significance of Christ’s arrival on Earth lies primarily in the profound concept of Jesus Christ, who is not only God but also took on human form. It is crucial to underscore this point—the Almighty, transcendent overall, descended to Earth, assuming vulnerability and residing among ordinary individuals.

Matthew 1:23

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

His birth was already foretold thousands of years ago in the book of Isaiah. 

Isaiah 9:6 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Now, why is this important? We must understand that like oil and water would not mix, God and the sinful nature of men cannot blend. Think of Jesus like flour who binds us with God so we can be one with Him.

When Jesus came down to earth, He made the way for us to be united with God similar to how Adam and Eve enjoyed fellowship with God in the garden of Eden.

He offered us salvation from the consequences of our sins as well as eternal life with God.

This is as he offered himself the ultimate sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins at the cross – from the manger to the calvary. 

John 3:16 says 

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,

that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Christmas exists because of the love of God poured upon us through Jesus. For us to understand that, we begin by believing and acknowledging this ultimate act of love offered to us by God.

May we all ponder on this free gift of salvation available to us. After all, who doesn’t love FREE stuff, especially during the holidays?