Love was incarnated and generosity was ignited last December 4, 2016 in Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu during this year’s Christmas Fair. The whole SHS-ADC community was moved with the incarnate love of Christ as they began the Christmas Fair with the Eucharistic Celebration at the Magis Eagles Arena. Fr. Joel Liwanag, SJ, the homilist, explained the theme of the Christmas Fair: Love Incarnated, Generosity Ignited. He said that love incarnated is Christ Himself, who, out of His deep love for us, chose to become man so that He can show us how much He loves us.

“Love becoming flesh: the incarnation. This is what we celebrate this Christmas. Jesus is love incarnate. He shows us what love means by the very humanity that he embraced in the very life that he lived.”

The Christmas Fair mass sent the message that everyone is called to follow the example of Christ, to be the face of God in the flesh. Fr. Joel further emphasized that love ignites the fire of generosity in our hearts. When one gives what one has and when one gives what one is, that is a genuine act of love. The highest form of love is when we give our very life to someone. This is what Jesus gives to all of us when he died on the cross for us to be saved from sins. Fr. Joel ended the homily with the questions: What concrete action can I do so that people will have a glimpse of what love means? How can love be incarnated in my whole life?

As a response to these reflection questions: the whole SHS-ADC community participated actively in this year’s Christmas Fair. The proceeds of the fair will used to buy goods to be distributed to the partner communities of the school. Creative and colorful booths were prepared to give fun and excitement to students, parents, alumni, and teachers alike. Teachers and students shared their talents during the Back to the Manger Concert at the Pope Francis Hall. The Angklung Ensemble, String Quartet, MAGISty Band, and CIFI Rondalla performances were held at the Grand Lobby. The Christmas Fair was also a bonding time with the family as Ateneo Hearter families participated in the games at the Grand Lobby in the afternoon.

The Christmas Fair ended with another set of grand performances by the Grade School and High School departments at the Magis Eagles Arena. The school community’s way of participating in the mission of Christ was indeed fun and fulfilling. We hope that by becoming the Lux Oriens in this year’s Christmas season, people will see the face of Jesus in our actions in order to give glory to God.