"Christmas for sale"

"Glory to God in high heaven, Peace on earth to those on whom his favor rests"


     Christmas has always been a special event for all Filipino families. Because it is the time when Jesus himself came into his human family and gave special importance and dignity to all. In our country, nine days before Christmas day, church bells ring at dawn. Signalling the start to the Misa de Galio. A band, composed of very young musicians, tries to wake people up so they can attend the mass at dawn. Soon the church is full. The priest comes out of the sacristy and starts the mass. The choir starts to sing Christmas songs accompanied by different musical instruments. During the homily, the priest reminds the people to prepare themselves for the coming of our Lord. He tells them to prepare themselves not only physically but spiritually as well. After the mass, as is the custom in the Philippines, same families, buy native delicacies like bibingka, puto bumbong, kesong puti and kutsinta. Then they go home to partake of a hot and delicious breakfast.


     Our celebration of Jesus birth gathers us Filipinos together, as one family. As is the custom in the Philippines, people flocks to the churches for the dawn masses as part of their preparation for the big celebration of Christ's birth. On Christmas day itself, families gather to celebrate the birth of the promised Messiah. One way to celebrate it is through "Christmas Para liturgy". Christmas, a season of joy and hope. A time for giving and sharing God's wonderful and bountiful gifts and blessings.


     There are many Filipinos that when they hear "Christmas" they also though that it is the time for everything new. New dress, appliances, new fashion, etc.Many Filipino's became materialistic during this time. They though that Christmas is the day of shopping time and visiting their godmother and their god father to get their "pamasko". This day is the time of giving and without expecting that you will receive too. But make sure that when you receive something  you appreciate it well.Christmas is not all about new cloths or new fashion, it is all about accepting God in your heart. Remember that God doesn't request any material thing to us when He was born here on earth. One thing that He requested to us is to believe in His words. But people is too sinner they don't believe in His words and He was trapped by many people.


     Christmas is the time of birth of the Savior of the world meeting is Jesus Christ. This is a very important celebration of all mankind that symbolizes love and tolerance, forgiveness, inclusion of all relatives and friends. We have different ways to celebrate Christmas but remember  the true meaning of Christmas is accepting God to enter  your home and to your hearth and soul.