Reflection for Thursday December 25 Christmas, Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord – Day Mass: John 1:1-18

Gospel: John 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him.  

But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God. And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.

John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’” From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.

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Reflection:

What kind of mindset do we have this Christmas?

As we celebrate Christmas, we are invited to pause and examine our hearts. There are two primary mindsets that often shape our thoughts and actions: the mindset of receiving and the mindset of giving—of making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. The mindset of receiving fills us with anticipation and excitement as we look forward to gifts, celebrations, and blessings.

Yet there is a deeper and more life-giving mindset—the mindset of giving. This mindset awakens within us a burning desire inspired and fueled by Jesus Himself. When we give, we do not simply offer something material; we give something that comes from the heart—something thoughtful, meaningful, and truly helpful to the one who receives it. We do not give merely for the sake of giving; we give out of love.

God Himself showed us the perfect example of this kind of giving. He gave us His Son, Jesus—the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us. He is the Light that shines in the darkness, the Light that brings life, enlightenment, and hope to a world longing for meaning and salvation.

The true essence of Christmas is found in this mindset of giving. It does not depend on whether we receive anything in return. What truly matters is that we give. This is what God desires of us: to learn how to give as He has given to us His only begotten Son.

Imagine the difference it would make to a poor family this Christmas season if we shared with them something to eat—not merely from our excess, but from hearts willing to sacrifice. Imagine the hope we could restore if we gave them something to wear—not just from our surplus, but from genuine compassion and love.

And in every simple act of generosity, we quietly offer them the greatest gift of all—Jesus Himself, made present through our love, kindness, and concern.

As we celebrate Christmas, let us ask ourselves honestly and prayerfully: Do we truly embrace the mindset of giving, allowing Christ to be born not only in the manger, but in our hearts—and through us, in the lives of others? — Marino J. Dasmarinas