Reflection for Friday December 31, Seventh Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord: 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 season?  

During Christmas season there are two primary mindsets that envelopes our mind: The mindset of receiving and the mindset of giving or making a positive difference in the lives of others. The mindset of receiving creates a feeling of expectation and excitement.  

However, the mindset of giving creates a burning desire within us which is fueled by Jesus Himself. We give something that comes from our heart we give something that would be very useful and meaningful to the receiver. We don’t only give for the sake of giving we give out of love.  

God gave us His Son Jesus, the word that became flesh that dwelt amongst us. The light that shines in the darkness, the light that gives life, enlightenment and hope. 

The true essence of the Christmas season is the mindset of giving; it doesn’t matter if we don’t receive anything for so long as we give. This is what God wants us to do; to learn how to give as He had given to us His only begotten son so we must give.  

What a big difference would it make to a poor family this season of Christmas if we would give them something to eat (not from our excess). What a huge difference would it make if we would give them something to wear (not from our surplus).  

In the process of our giving we silently bring to them as well the greatest gift that they will receive and that is Jesus. Do you have the mindset of giving during Christmas season?  – Marino J. Dasmarinas