Gifts
In his homily for the 4th Sunday of Advent, Year A, Father Hanly looks at the meanings behind the giving and receiving of gifts – and the implications for the gift of Jesus at Christmas.
Readings for Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year A
- First Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14
- Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
- Second Reading: Romans 1:1-7
- Gospel: Matthew 1:18-24
Homily for Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year A
Today is the Fourth Sunday of Advent, only a few days to go before Christmas. I know we are all very busy, but I hope we are not so busy that we have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas and so busy that we have forgotten to prepare our hearts to welcome our Saviour.
This period of preparation for Christmas is full of joy and warmth. There are many customs and traditions to be enjoyed. I guess among these customs, one of the more special ones is the exchange of Christmas gifts.
When I was young, I was so excited on Christmas Eve, so excited that I couldn’t sleep all night, waiting for the dawn. And at the break of dawn, I would run as fast as I could to the Christmas tree, to see what gifts Santa Claus had given me. And I was overjoyed.
But receiving presents was only part of my Christmas joy. I also enjoyed watching my parents open the presents I had carefully wrapped and given them. At that moment, I understood the meaning of the saying ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ I truly believe that the times my family exchanged gifts in the early hours of Christmas morning were among the happiest moments of my childhood.
Why is gift-giving so appropriate for Christmas? We give gifts on many occasions: birthdays, farewell parties, weddings and so on.
When Chinese people give gifts, they often say, “it’s just a small token” out of politeness. However, in reality, it is not just a small token — a gift is full of meaning. It embraces thoughtful and heartfelt intentions — sometimes to express gratitude or a deep affection, or sometimes because we need a favour — so the gift represents us.
What about the recipient?
The person receiving the gift understands our intentions. No words or explanations are needed. If they reach out both hands to accept our gift, it is also a sign that they understand and accept what is in our heart. Therefore, the significance of exchanging gifts is not in the material value of the gift, but in its purpose of reflecting our intentions.
With this explanation, I trust you already know why gift-giving is very appropriate for Christmas.
Think about it. What was the first Christmas gift? Who was the giver? Who received it?
St John the Apostle said that God the Father loved us so much that He sent His only begotten Son to give us eternal life.
This is the gift God gave us on the first Christmas. All of God’s gifts express what is in God’s heart for us – His love, forgiveness, care and respect for us. Whenever we see the baby Jesus, we remember this precious gift from God, the reason for our Christmas joy.
So, how should we respond to God’s generosity and infinite mercy to us?
First, we should reach out to receive him with open arms, we should prepare an unblemished heart to welcome our Lord who has come.
Second, we should imitate God’s generous heart towards our brothers and sisters, we should eradicate all attitudes that hinder our generosity, such as envy, greed, hatred, selfishness, self-interest and the tendency to be petty. In this way, let the gifts we exchange this Christmas express a sincere and grateful heart.
Let us give ourselves wholeheartedly to God as our Christmas gift this Christmas.
Footnote: This homily was delivered by Father Hanly at the Wah Fu Mass Centre of Our Lady of Lourdes parish in Hong Kong in 1986.