Micah 5:1-4 / Hebrews 10:5-10 / Luke 1:39-44
It is understandable if we are still wondering whether we should get any presents for our relatives and friends.
Other than presents for our loved ones, which is already mind-cracking enough as to what to get for them, we might want to skip getting presents for those who are outside the family.
After all, we might have already skipped it last Christmas, so we might as well skip it for this year.
Well, the reason, or excuse, is that the restrictions are similar to that of last year, so if we can't meet them, then there is no need to give them.
And also shopping for presents was not like before as there seems to be lesser merchandise in the stores, and online shopping is not usually the “what-you-see-is-what-you-get”.
But maybe, just a thought for the seniors, who are already quite cramped up at home.
Instead of getting them another set of bed sheets or pyjamas or health supplements or hair dye, why not get them some tech gadgets.
Maybe give them a new hand-phone instead of some old hand downs. Or a smart TV. Or maybe even a gaming console.
We cannot underestimate the tech potential of the seniors. We just have to be patient in starting them off and then we will be surprised how far they will go.
But it is not just about giving them a tech gadget to electrify their lives.
Because in giving them such presents, we would also have to give them our presence, and that is to be with them.
Because we will have to spend time teaching them how to use those gadgets, like taking photos and making video calls.
In other words, we want to enable them to make themselves present to us, as well as for us to be present to them via the electronic means.
Such are the advantages of technology as it can help us make connections with our loved ones and to feel each other's presence.
But in the gospel, Mary didn't have such means to connect with Elizabeth. She had to set off quickly as the journey would take some time. And it was also to a hill country and that means rather rough terrain.
But Mary was aware of Elizabeth's pregnancy since the angel had told her about it.
And she was sensitive to Elizabeth needs, although she had her own needs to.
Mary's journey to visit Elizabeth has this to teach us, and that is, there is nothing more powerful and profound then sharing the gift of our presence.
Elizabeth felt the presence of the Lord in Mary and even the child in her womb leaped for joy.
And Mary also received the affirmation from Elizabeth that she was going to be the mother of God.
It was a beautiful moment for the two expectant mothers. And it was also a powerful experience of the presence of God in each other.
So, if we are still thinking of what presents to get for our loved ones, whether they are seniors or otherwise, let us think about presents that will also let them experience our presence.
It could be something that they need, or something that they will wear, or something that they will use.
Let our Christmas presents be a gift of our loving presence to others.
God gave us His only Son Jesus to be the Emmanuel, the “God-is-with-us”.
That is how much God wants to be present to us.
May what we give to others also be a symbol of how much we love them and want to be with them.