INTRO: Maligayang Pasko sa inyong lahat! Masaya ang halos lahat sa atin ngayon, but have you ever realized that there could be people who might have mixed emotions sa araw na ito? How can the message of Christmas bring them hope and joy? Let’s find out from today’s devotion.

Doon ay may mga pastol na nasa parang at nagbabantay ng kanilang mga tupa nang gabing iyon. Lumapit at tumayo sa kalagitnaan nila ang isang anghel ng Panginoon … sinabi sa kanila ng anghel, “Huwag kayong matakot! Ako’y may dalang magandang balita para sa inyo na magdudulot ng malaking kagalakan sa lahat ng tao. Isinilang ngayon sa bayan ni David ang inyong Tagapagligtas, ang Cristong Panginoon.

Lucas 2:8–11

Maliwanag sa ER kung saan on duty si Doc Benjie. Kumukuti-kutitap ang Christmas lights na nakapalibot sa Christmas tree at nakasabit sa ceiling. May dekorasyon pa na mga anghel sa ER, at sa lobby ng ospital, may life-sized nativity scene. December 25 na, araw ng Pasko, pero mixed emotions ang nararamdaman ni Doc Benjie. He feels a sense of duty and fulfillment na makakatulong siya sa mga pasyenteng mangangailangan ng immediate attention sa araw na ito. But on the other hand, malungkot din siya dahil hindi niya makakasama sa Pasko ang pamilya niya.

Have you ever wondered if Jesus had mixed emotions when He was sent by His Father to the world? Surely, He agreed to the Father’s plan to save mankind by taking on a human form, and later, dying on the cross (Philippians 2:5–7). He willingly came to serve us (Mark 10:41). Though physically, nandito noon sa lupa si Jesus at nasa langit ang Kanyang Ama, Jesus would always talk to Him in prayer. Na-miss kaya Niya ang langit? Scripture didn’t say anything about it. But to Jesus, His calling was clear — to save mankind, and that brought him great joy (Hebrews 12:2).

It’s Christmas Day, a day to celebrate the birth of the Savior, Christ the Lord. Nagtatrabaho man tayo o nakabakasyon sa araw na ito, malayo man tayo sa pamilya natin o kasama natin sila sa celebration, may we all realize the depth of the angel’s message: “Stop being afraid! Listen! I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people. Today your Savior, the Lord Messiah, was born in the City of David” (Luke 2:10–11 ISV).

May your day be truly full of joy because the Lord has come! Merry Christmas to all!