Ang mga pastol ang naging unang bisita ng ipinanganak na Mesiyas na si Jesus. Balikan natin ang kanilang naging pagbisita, and let’s open our hearts to the lesson the Holy Spirit would like us to learn.

Umalis ang mga pastol na nagpupuri sa Diyos at nagpapahayag ng kanyang kadakilaan dahil sa lahat ng narinig nila at nakita, ayon sa sinabi sa kanila ng anghel.

Lucas 2:20

Worried si Marie. Nawalan kasi ng trabaho ang asawa niyang si Roger matapos magsara ang pinapasukang factory. Sapat lang ang ipon nila para maitawid ang susunod na buwan, pero magpapasko na. Wala pa silang regalo para sa mga bata. At anong kakainin nila sa Noche Buena?

When did it become a tradition that Christmas should be celebrated in the most financially draining way? There will always be gifts to be bought, food that needs to be prepared, and parties to attend. Many people who do not have the money to splurge feel that they won’t have a Christmas anymore. Malungkot na raw ang Pasko.

Contrast this with the time when shepherds experienced the wonder and delight at the Savior’s birth. An angel appeared to them, saying, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:10–11, NIV). They hurried to Bethlehem and saw Jesus, the Celebrant who is actually the Gift to the world.

These shepherds weren’t rich by any means, but God chose to reveal the birth of His Son to them. Unlike the wise men, they didn’t bring any gifts. They had nothing. But their presence was enough to honor the newborn King.

Marie’s family chose to have a simple Christmas dinner. No gifts were exchanged but they gave each other something better. After reading the first Christmas story, they spent time praying — thanking God for the gift of Jesus, and the gift of each other.

May your homes be filled with love, joy, and peace, as you celebrate Christmas Eve tonight. Don’t forget to join us again tomorrow for the last part of our series, “Pasko na Naman? Pasko Na!”