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Make  Your Life a Gift

by Steve Martin

      Christmas day is almost here. Today is the last Sunday of Advent. In four days we’ll begin the Christmas Season by celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

     Many symbols remind us of the amazing power and grace that entered the world with the birth of this child. One symbol has become so widespread that even non– Christians place them in the center of their homes during this time of year. They too spend hours selecting the right one, finding the right spot for display, and carefully decorating it.

     Have you guessed the symbol yet? The Christmas tree… the Christmas tree has become one of the most popular symbols displayed during Christmas.   What’s the first thing you think of when hearing Christmas tree? 

     Were you thinking undying life or something that reminds you to live your life as a gift to others? In 2004, on the fourth Sunday of Advent, Pope John Paul II spoke of the significance of the Christmas tree. He described the Christmas tree as “an ancient tradition that exalts the value of life, for in the winter season the evergreen fir becomes a sign of undying life.”

    He added, “The message of the Christmas tree is consequently that life stays “evergreen” if we make a gift of it: not so much of material things, but of life itself: in friendship and sincere affection, in fraternal help and forgiveness, in time shared and reciprocal listening.”

     These words of Pope John Paul II help us to remember what Christmas is truly about.  Jesus came as a gift for each one of us. That is certain.

     The gift shouldn't stop there. We are called to receive him and share that gift with others. We are called to live our lives as gift to those God has placed around us in community. If we do, our lives will stay `evergreen’ and we will be sharing the undying life of our God. Share the gift of Jesus. Share life.

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/angelus/2004/documents/hf_jpii_ang_20041219_en.html