Angelo was a little boy with an unusual Christmas attitude he did not like presents. While others tore into wrapping paper with glee, Angelo quietly slipped away to his room, leaving even the most magical gifts untouched. One year, he ignored a teddy bear and a stuffed toy dog that whispered “I love you” when hugged. He was never grumpy or mean-just distant. His family puzzled over it until one Christmas evening, his grandfather gently asked why. Angelo hesitated, then whispered, “I am not good enough.” He believed gifts were rewards for perfect behaviour, and since he could not always be good, he did not deserve them. His grandfather wrapped him in a warm hug and said, “My child, we do not give you presents because you have earned them. We give them because we love you.” That simple truth lit up Angelo’s heart. He smiled, hugged his grandfather tight, and finally embraced both the teddy bear and toy dog. In that moment, he received love not as a prize, but as a gift. Scripture says: “We love because He first loved us” (1 Jn 4:19).
Advent invites us to pause, reflect, and open our hearts to the gifts God so generously offers. These are not wrapped in ribbons or tucked under trees they are deeper, quieter blessings: peace, healing, purpose, and salvation. The prophet Isaiah writes: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me… to bring good news to the poor… to bind up the broken hearted…” (Is 61:1). This is the season of divine generosity. The city of Jerusalem rejoices in Isaiah’s prophecy, embodying the joy that springs from truly recognizing God’s grace. St. Paul, writing to the Thessalonians, warns against spiritual pride and complacency. Some believers, blessed with dramatic gifts, began to dismiss quieter expressions of faith. Paul urges: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances… Do not quench the Spirit” (I Thess 5:16-19). Gratitude, he teaches, is the path to holiness and readiness for Christ’s return.
Before Jesus began His ministry, John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way. His message was simple yet profound: “Among you stands One you do not know” (Jn 1:26). John’s humility reminds us that recognizing God’s presence often requires quiet attentiveness rather than loud certainty. Sometimes, like the Pharisees, we demand signs and proof. Other times, like little Angelo, we shy away from God’s gifts, feeling unworthy. But Advent reminds us: God’s gifts
are not earned they are freely given out of love. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God-not the result of works…” (Eph 2:8-9).
God’s love is woven into the fabric of our everyday lives in the kindness of a stranger, the quiet strength of a friend, the beauty of a sunrise. Our calling is to recognize these signs, receive them with joy, and reflect them outward. Imagine wrapping a gift with care, only to have it tossed aside. That ache of rejection is a glimpse into how God feels when we treat His gifts with indifference. St James says: “Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” (Jas 1:17). God gives from a heart overflowing with love-life itself, grace, forgiveness, the Eucharist, the Church, and the promise of eternal joy. These are treasures wrapped in mercy and sealed with divine affection. Yet how often do we treat them like chores? Mass becomes a duty, not a sacred encounter. Communion is received with routine, not reverence. Faith becomes rules, not relationship. But God does not stop giving. He continues to offer, patiently waiting for us to unwrap what He has placed in our lives.
We did not earn these blessings. They are not rewards for good behaviour but expressions of a love that knows no bounds. And the only fitting response is gratitude lived out in generosity, compassion, and witness. There are many like Angelo who struggle to believe that such love exists. Who see suffering and wonder if hope is real. That is where we come in. Not with sermons, but with sincerity. Not with pressure, but with presence. Jesus said: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Mt 5:16). Through prayer, kindness, and quiet courage, we become living proof that God’s love is real, accessible, and transformative. When we help others unwrap the gifts of faith, hope, and love, we prepare the way for Christ. So let us not leave His gifts unopened. Let us receive them with wonder, share them with joy, and live them with purpose. The world is waiting-and so is He. Let us all declare: “Come. Lord Jesus!” (Rev 22:20). Merry Christmas!
