It's December 1 already. How time flies.
Usually, during the days of December, I would walk around the neighborhood and take advantage of the crisp, cold air that only comes this season. When I get tired, I would sit on a bench a few blocks away from our house, take out a small book to read, and wait until the sun settles in the sky.
While busily reading the famous "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens for the nth time, another man (which features I cannot remember since I was too busy with my book) sat on the other bench beside me. Many people passed by us, but, just like me, he didn't seem to care. It was not too long when another man, cheerful and stout (I could not help but notice the conspicuous features), walked by and glimpsed at the bench near me. He widely smiled at the man, greeted him, and asked if he could join him this morning.
SC: Hi Jesus, what's up? Why so gloomy today?
J: Because it's almost my birthday.
(My eyes widened with the mention of his name and I tried to eagerly listen to what they were saying-- of course, while still holding my book so they wouldn't think I was prying!)
SC: Then what are you so sad about? Why don't we celebrate it? Everyone's excited already!
J: I know. I see everyone planning and getting ready to celebrate my birthday with GIFTS and FEASTS, but sadly, I don't feel invited. They're excited for other things... but not because of me.
SC: Oh... Yes, I see it too... Those parties are not really FOR you, huh? That IS a problem..
J: You know what Santa? I envy you.
SC: And why is that, Jesus?
J: Every time MY birthday is nearing, most people are excited about you!
SC: Well, why wouldn't they? I give them the best toys and gadgets as gifts every year! Ho, ho, ho!
J: *Sigh* While you give them temporary gifts, I gave them my life so that they can have the Gift of Eternal Life.
SC: The Gift of Eternal Life? Woah, hold on now Jesus! No wonder people would not believe you. When you say eternal life, it seems so....... fantastical-- here in this world.
J: If they think THAT'S fantasy, then how come they easily believe in flying reindeers and a man dressed in red to come down the chimney to give gifts to everyone, all in just one night?
At that, my cellphone frantically alarmed-- loud enough for the two men to stop talking and look at me as I fix my things and get ready to leave. It was 7:25am and I had to get ready for my work that starts at 9. My boss will kill me if I get late again. I hurriedly left the bench but then I began to slow down as I slightly turned my head towards them. I saw that they were still looking at me so I gave them a shy, faint smile, then rushed away again to prevent further humiliation.
I didn't want to look back. Out of shame? Or maybe out of guilt, that I always forget to invite this sad man to the celebrations that were supposed to be for him. How ironic, I thought.
I knew they were not looking at me anymore as I heard the loud voice and laughter of the jolly old man as they engage again in a conversation that I wish I could longer hear. I regretted it because something inside me felt that I would never seem them again.
On the contrary though, I thought, I do believe I will see them everywhere this Christmas season. Isn't that right?
In posters, in magazines, in billboards-- tens, hundreds of images popped in my mind.
But wait. No pictures, or even just the name, of the celebrant. None? I tried to think harder in the hopes of getting something from my memory... anything. There must be something. It's Christmas, how can there be nothing about Him?
Eventually, I was able to reach my office just in time. 8:55 to be exact, even five minutes earlier. As I reached for our office door, I crushed the empty Coca-Cola Christmas Edition can I was drinking while riding the jeepney and went on to another days work.
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