EP. 1: The Heart of Christmas

At the heart of every Filipino home, you'll often find a sacred symbol of Jesus Christ— whether it's a Belen, a miniature nativity scene depicting His birth, or a simple cross, it is a reminder of His ultimate sacrifice. These symbols are more than just decorations; as they are tangible expressions of faith and devotion that have been passed down through generations.

Moreover, on Christmas Eve, Filipinos gather for Noche Buena—a grand feast that celebrates the abundance of love during this special time. But beyond this, it's a tradition that commemorates Jesus Christ, a gift of love and hope. As Apostle Peter stated, ‘He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.’ (1 Peter 2:24). 

On this day, He was born to a virgin named Mary in a humble sheep stable located at Bethlehem. His birth, an event foretold by prophets, marked the beginning of His life. Eventually, He would die on the tree of the cross to pay for our sins and save us. As the Father declared at Jesus' baptism, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased' (Matthew 3:17). As the Son of God, He came to earth to offer salvation and reveal the true nature of love.

“On the first day of Christmas, 

my true love gave to me

A partridge in a pear tree.”

While the familiar carol speaks of gifts, the true heart of Christmas lies not in the presents we receive, but in the love we share with others. 

The truth is, Christmas was not always about the love of God or Jesus. Rather, it has always been about the hearts of others. In a moment of uncertainty—the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, soothing her anxious heart as she faced the weight of her responsibility. Meanwhile, when Joseph considered ending his engagement to Mary, an angel intervened, guiding his heart to embrace what was right and noble, leading him to take Mary as his beloved wife.

Later, the shepherds found themselves trembling with fear as angels appeared before them. The beings further calms them by saying, "Do not be afraid." Thereafter, as they beheld the infant they had been promised, their hearts overflowed with reverence, and they worshipped him. The wise men, too, arrived, bringing with them precious gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Mary, the humble young woman chosen to bear the Savior, held all these wondrous events close to her heart.

All these accounts told of their hearts, and their devotion to glorifying our God’s will. Thus, what you choose to focus your heart on is important. And at the heart of Christmas lies Jesus Christ, born not just to save us from sin, but to bring love, peace, joy, and hope into the hearts of all people. Jesus was born for you. For the world that “still in darkness waits.” 

Jesus stands as a personal gift from God to each of us—and so many hearts have yet to receive him. This Christmas, let us make it our mission to share the good news with them. The good news that Christmas is more than just the food and the gatherings. The good news that God is saying, “your heart, your life, matters to me.”

Have a holly jolly Christmas!