Greetings!

The most common greeting of the Koreans is “Annyong haseyo?” When I first heard this greeting, not knowing how to respond, I said: “Ewan ko sa iyo!”

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Today is the fourth Sunday of Advent. Today, we light the candle of “LOVE” in our Advent wreath. “Annyeong haseyo” is a beautiful greeting of the heart which literally means “Are you at peace?” coming from a heart reaching out with love. On the other hand, “Ewan ko sa iyo” means “I don’t know about you” coming from a heart that is indifferent and proud.

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In today’s Gospel (Luke 1:39-45), we hear the beautiful greeting of Elizabeth to her cousin Mary: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” It speaks of Mary’s exaltation as a woman not so much because of herself, as because of the fruit of her womb, Jesus.

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The greetings we make bring out how we feel and how we think. How do we greet each other at Christmas? Let us be led to the true meaning of Christmas. Case in point is how we greet others at Christmas. Check out if your Christmas greeting is shallow or deep.

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“Happy Holidays!” For some people, Christmas is just one big cozy, enjoyable, holiday, full of revelry and celebration, devoid of religious meaning.

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“Season’s Greetings!” This greeting is all about celebrating as a season, the “most beautiful time of the year.” And so, ’tis the season to be jolly and merrymaking all the way!

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“Merry Xmas!” This greeting mentions “Christmas” but “Christ” is deleted with an “X.” Christ is not an unknown “X” person, but a historical person who lived among us and who made a difference in our world. Christmas without Christ is no Christmas at all.

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“Merry Christmas!” This is the most used Christmas greeting. It is a well-meaning wish for people to be merry and happy, but it can be a shallow greeting which is focused on the commercial and material aspects of Christmas. Often, it is used as a greeting for solicitation.

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“Mary Christmas!” This is the greeting I use and propose. The first Christmas was Mama Mary’s Christmas. It was poor, quiet, and simple, but it was full of hope, joy, peace, and love. May we, like Joseph and Mary, take time to be still and focus not on the external decorations, nor on the gifts as on the child Jesus in our hearts. A prayerful and a grateful Christmas!

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“Blessed Christmas!” This reminds us that our greatest blessing on this earth is “God’s Only Begotten Son” given unto us. It is a reminder for us that we who have been blessed must also share our blessings with others, especially the poor and the suffering in our midst.

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“Joyful Christmas!” More than happiness, which is based on happenings or events around us, may we experience joy which this world cannot give nor take away. Christmas joy comes from the heart that has accepted the Lord, a heart that has accepted forgiveness and reconciliation, and has opened up, giving joy to other people.

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With love, Christmas is not heavy and burdensome with Christ. With love, Christmas is light and bright. Let us focus on the Lord, not on the load, especially at Christmas.

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Sharing with you a heartwarming message passed on from my sister Bing in wintry Washington.

“A Christmas letter from Jesus”

When you look for me at Christmas; You won’t need a special star

I’m no longer just in Bethlehem; I’m right here where you are

You may not be aware of me; amid the celebrations

You’ll have to look beyond the stores and all the decorations.

But if you take a moment from your list of things to do.

To close your eyes and say a prayer; I’m waiting here for you

You’re the one I want to be with, You’re the reason that I came

And you’ll find me in the stillness; Where I’m whispering your name.

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Wishing you all a Mary Christmas—simple, joyful, peaceful, hope-fulfilled, love-filled, and Christ-filled Christmas! One with you in prayer and hope for a better Philippines, a better world to which God sent His only begotten Son out of love for us.

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A moment with the Lord: Lord, may we not belittle nor snub your loving greetings and love for us. Amen.

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