Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Just when I thought I was turning Scrooge.
"Nagpapasalamat po ako sa inyo kasi mas pinadama ninyo sa amin ang Pasko..."
All it took was those words to make me cry.
This afternoon was the Psychsoc Christmas Party. I still didn't have the spirit within me but I still wanted to attend the party so I kind of forced myself to feel Christmas. Haggard from making the December edition of Psycle (It was nice working with you, Kuya AJ!), I went inside the venue (Ate Lani's house) and greeted everyone an unfelt "Merry Christmas!" and settled down. Though the program was fun (I wasn't able to give Rhea the long message I had rehearsed in my mind!) and I was so surprised to find out that I was Ate Fides' baby, the activities just weren't enough to make me feel Christmas-y.
I don't know what really happened but for some reason, I decided to join the caroling activity after the party. I initially decided not to go since I have a 7:00a class tomorrow and I badly need some sleep. But there was something, and it was as if He had it all planned, that pushed me to stay. And for another strange reason, I had not forgotten the notes I had practiced before I quit the Carolfest.
So anyway, at Sta. Lucia (Home for Girls? LOL.), I was again part of the formation and the choir. Singing for these girls really made me feel honored. I made sure every staccato was hit in time, every shift was done gracefully, and my singing flowed naturally just like the other members. And after our medley, the girls' sharp claps made us all smile. But then they started saying their "Thank you" messages and some of us started to cry.
I was deeply touched. It has indeed been a long time since I went to a charitable institution and did something that made the people there happy. These girls kept mentioning about how we actually brought Christmas to them. Tears started forming and eventually falling from my eyes as I realized it was really they who brought Christmas to me.
You see, Christmas isn't just all about our family and friends. It's also about sharing love with other people outside your usual social circle, especially those who need it most. Jesus wasn't born for a certain group of people. He was born for everyone His Father created. Jesus did not choose whom to die for either. He died for the whole of mankind.
The true spirit of Christmas is not brought forth simply by Christmas trees screaming with lights and ornaments nor by all those other decorations that are uniquely Christmas nor by the obligatory Christmas gifts and parties. The true spirit of Christmas cannot be heard on the radio nor can it be seen on every house. I cannot be tasted as soon as holiday goods become available in the market, neither can it be touched with every gift you unwrap. The true spirit of Christmas can be felt with every good deed, pleasant greeting, and heartfelt gesture.
May the true spirit of Christmas be with us always. ;)
Oh, and Psychsoc, we should do that kind of caroling every year! :)
