14 April | Youth
«In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.» John 1:4
They say that Paris is the city of light. When I (Júlio) visited Paris during the Christmas season, I was able to see why. In my entire life, I have seen few spectacles as beautiful as those lit up streets around the Arc de Triomphe. The Eiffel Tower, so criticized for its ugliness at the time it was built, seemed to me, and rightfully so, to be one of the seven wonders of the world, perhaps the most beautiful.
When I think about attractions, news, and end-of-year celebrations, many other places that I would like to visit come to mind. But when I think about the true meaning of Christmas, I understand that the best tour package would be one that takes me straight to Bethlehem.
There, on an unglamorous night and place, I would witness the most spectacular celebration: a choir of angels whose voices I would never forget. Also, a group of foreigners who, like me, would have traveled thousands of kilometers to reach Bethlehem, and who would not agree to return home before feeling that the trip had been worth it. I would find apprehensive people, like Joseph, worried about the future of his family, and almost unable to enjoy the present moment.
Perhaps I would find people who were indifferent to the needs of others, numb by the endorphins of pleasure generated by the bright, cozy environment and full of tasty foods.
Possibly I would also come across distinguished people there, with expensive and beautiful clothes, lots of health and money, lots of power and fame accompanied by the firm intention of staying in the spotlight at all times, until the lights go out. I would certainly have many surprises in Bethlehem!
In Paris, my Christmas was overshadowed by the feeling of being distant from some of my loved ones, de-spite the closeness of others. Distance and coldness are similar and painful experiences. It did not snow that Christmas, but I almost froze. The cold of - 2° C during the day I experienced on that December, was nothing like the warmth of God’s love demonstrated on the night Jesus came into the world as a baby. Fulfilling ancient prophecies, the wise men presented Him with royal offerings. I ask myself: What will I give to Jesus this Christmas?
I even have the feeling that, even though I was not the one being honored, I would be the one who would win. In fact, on that festive day, all of humanity received the greatest gift of all:
Jesus! I am happy because one day He was born there in Bethlehem, but what will become of my Christmas if He is not born today, again, here in my heart?