Filipinos are a people who love to celebrate and during Christmas, this joyous spirit is greatly amplified.
Starting as early as the first day of September, Christmas songs are played in shopping malls and airport terminals, heralding the festive season months in advance.
In our community, we join in the Christmas celebrations by organizing events with the people we minister to. This year, together with other religious communities, we organised a special Christmas party for the homeless we minister to, creating a unified and meaningful celebration that lasted for seven hours.
Only five days after his Episcopal Ordination, Bishop Elias L. Ayuabn, the new bishop of our diocese of Cubao, attended the party. He opened the event and unveiled a beautiful, original Christmas tree made from recyclable materials and waste. He also engaged with all present and took photos with them.
The celebration started with a Mass, followed by breakfast, interactive sharing sessions, games, and a lively Christmas karaoke. Lunch was served and food hampers were distributed for the people to take home. It was a truly touching experience that radiated unity and peace.
Another joyful Christmas celebration was held for the children who attend our catechism classes and the youth group who recently completed the Alpha program. Many of these children are also part of our scholarship program. The celebration began with a Mass, enthusiastically animated by the children and the youth. Mass was followed by games organized by students from our Campus Ministry Youth Volunteers, who generously offered their time to help. We also enjoyed carol singing and a large raffle where everyone received a gift. Special awards were given to those with perfect attendance throughout the year.
A gathering for parents is also being prepared. During this event we will reflect about Advent and Christmas, concluding with a shared meal and the distribution of gifts for the parents and their families.
We are deeply grateful to God for His providence, especially for giving us Jesus, who is the true light in darkness, our hope in discouragement, and joy in the face of challenges. In their simplicity and resilience the poor often show us the true essence of Christmas. Jesus comes into the world in poverty and rejection, yet in such humble circumstances, Emmanuel brings love, joy, and hope.
As we journey through the Jubilee Year of Hope, may we keep our eyes open to the signs and graces of God’s presence among us.
Fr Stephen Mifsud mssp