Archbishop recalls that Christmas is about Jesus, not gifts

Piura, Peru, Dec 21, 2010 / 15:52 pm

Archbishop Jose Antonio Eguren of Piura, Peru reminded the faithful that the true meaning of Christmas is found in Christ, not in presents.

The archbishop noted during Mass on Dec. 19 that gifts are merely an expression of the joy over the coming of the Savior. He encouraged Catholics to open their hearts and homes to “the Child to be born.” 

“That is the true meaning of Christmas,” he said.

He also urged the faithful to follow “the example of Mary and Joseph, who were always attentive to the Lord’s will and ready to follow it. And what God wants of us is that we embrace the Baby Jesus, our Reconciler, and believe in Him.”

Archbishop Eguren recalled that Scripture refers to St. Joseph as “a just man because he always embraces the will of God, and adjusts his life to what God asks of him, not to what he wants.”

Likewise, St. Joseph lived the virtue of obedience, “and for this reason he will always be seen as caring for the Baby Jesus and as the chaste and faithful husband of Blessed Mother.”

“We all face many problems each day,” the archbishop continued. “But we must not let our daily problems overcome us during these days of celebration. May the joy of Christmas reign in our hearts, because we know well in whom we have put our trust: in Jesus,” he said.

“True happiness consists in doing God’s will.  And in this time of Advent, God asks us that we believe in the one he sent, his Son Jesus,” he concluded.