A mum for Christmas
Beth Sabado
As a child, I remember going to church for Christmas with my parents and siblings. In every Christmas Mass, the priests would always ask the congregation what the meaning of Christmas was. I believe it's a question often heard during the Christmas season each year.
People from different lifestyles ask this popular question, people perplexed by the hectic pace of the season. It seems a little strange that as popular as this season seems to be, we should continually have to ask and answer that question. The meaning of Christmas seems to be in danger of being covered by all the fuss and material endorsement of the season. Perhaps, we continue to ask the question for fear that the real answer will be lost, or already is lost, in the shuffle.
I heard footsteps, doors banging, talking, giggling and laughter. Children were playing except for 6-year-old Stephanie. I asked her why was she not joining the others, she answered, "I am ashamed." It bothered me not seeing this girl playing. With my curiosity, I asked her more.
During the course of our conversation, I found out that Stephanie's mother left her when she was less than a year old to work in Saudi Arabia. Her mother is still working overseas. Stephanie's father died when she was four months old. Her mother's sister is looking after her.
"My mother is coming home at Christmas!" she exclaimed with looks of anticipation and excitement in her eyes. ‘You must be very excited,' I replied. "So you will be receiving a lot of gifts from your mum this Christmas," I added. She replied with a dry smile on her face. Seeing her reaction, I doubted if I asked the right question. "Would you like your mum to stay with you even if you don't have gifts?" Her eyes became bright and quickly answered "yes!"
How many children are being left under the care of their aunts, grandparents and significant others everyday? It must be a difficult decision for parents to leave their children. How many are counting the years and months until their parents come home.
People decide to leave the country for greener pastures. Before they leave, they have dreams like building a house, saving money, starting a business, sending children and siblings to school. All of these dreams are in preparation for the future.
According to migration statistics, hundreds leave the country everyday. How many of these overseas workers have children? How many return home for good after they finished a contract? How many of these workers decide to end the cycle of migration? These are the questions that need honest answers.
Every child is anticipating, waiting excitedly for the coming of Christmas. The waiting and the longing in Stephanie's heart for the coming of her mum is for me the meaning of Christmas. It is a gift not wrapped in fancy papers and tied in colourful ribbons but a priceless gift of presence and love.
It's my prayer that all of us may live in His Presence and continue to love not only during Christmas, but always.
