With Christmas Day nearing, the true essence of the season shines brightly, a gift that cannot be wrapped in ribbons or placed under a tree. Pedro Pablo Sacristan's beautiful Christmas story captures this sentiment so wonderfully, reminding us that the most precious gift lies not in what we can buy but in the joy and love of Jesus that fills our hearts. In this season of celebration, we eagerly invite you to embrace this heartfelt story and reflect on the true reason for our joyous festivities!
The Christmas Gift Conference by Pedro Pablo Sacristan
The Christmas Gift Conference that year was packed to the brim. All the toy makers in the world had come to participate, and many others who were not toy makers but who lately used to attend, and those who never missed it, the delivery men: Santa Claus and the Three Wise Men.
Every year, the discussions would be about what kind of toys were more educational or fun for the children, something that kept some toymakers arguing with each other for hours about the toys. Yes, they always argued about the size because the Kings and Santa Claus complained that they made the toys bigger every year, and these toys created real problems when transporting all the gifts.
But something happened that made that conference different from the previous ones: a child slipped in. There had never been any children during those meetings, and by the time they realized it, the little boy was sitting right next to the Three Wise Men without anyone being able to say how long he had been there (which was indeed a long time).
While Santa Claus was arguing with an important toymaker about the size of a very fashionable doll, he yelled at him heatedly, "Fatty, if you were skinnier, more things would fit on the sleigh!" And your reindeer would not be so tired." The boy stood up and said: "It is okay, do not argue. I will deliver everything that neither the Kings nor Santa Claus can carry." The assistants laughed out loud for a long time without paying attention to him. While they were laughing, the boy got up, let out a tear, and left with his head down.
That Christmas was like most of all, but a little colder. On the streets, everyone went on with their lives, and you did not hear about all the stories and beautiful things that usually happened at Christmas. And when the children received their gifts that year, they were barely excited, and it seemed that no one cared about that celebration anymore.
At the Christmas Gift Conference the following year, everyone was concerned about the growing lack of illusion they faced that Christmas. The usual discussions began, and suddenly, the boy who had been laughed at and mocked so much the previous year appeared at the door, sad and with his head down. This time, He was with his mother, a beautiful woman. Seeing her, the three Wise Men jumped: Mary! and ran to hug her. Then, the woman approached the podium, took the floor, and said: "Every year, my son used to celebrate His birthday with a big party, the biggest in the world, and He filled everything with the best gifts for young and old. He now says that he does not want to celebrate it, that none of you like his celebration, and that you want other things. Can you tell me what you have done to him?"
Most of those present began to realize what they had messed up. Then, an old toymaker who had never spoken in those meetings approached the boy, got on his knees, and said: "Sorry, my God; I do not want any other gift that is not yours. Although I did not know it, you had consistently been delivering what neither the Kings, Santa Claus, nor anyone else could carry: LOVE, PEACE, and JOY. And last year I missed them so much. Forgive me."
One after another, they all asked the child for forgiveness, acknowledging that the best Christmas gifts were His, gifts that fill people's hearts with good feelings and make the world a little better every Christmas.
This heartwarming story beautifully reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas, the celebration of the greatest gift ever given, Jesus Christ. As December 25th approaches, let us open our hearts to His love and grace. Let’s commemorate His birth and invite Him to take His rightful place in our lives. By surrendering fully to Him, we can experience the peace, joy, and hope that only He can provide. Let us honor Him by embracing the gift of His presence and sharing His love with others.
