The Bible Transforms and unites the nation

Since 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte through Proclamation No. 124 has recognized the celebration of the National Bible Month and National Bible Week every January.

And for this year, the country is celebrating the National Bible Month, National Bible Week and National Bible Day with the theme “#2020 Vision: The Bible Transforms and Unites a Nation”.

The whole month of January of 2020 is dedicated as Bible Month with January 20-26 as National Bible Week and January 27 as National Bible Day.

Every year since 1982, the Philippines is celebrating this event, recognizing the importance of the Bible in nation-building.

According to the Philippine Bible Society, churches come together through parades, motorcades, and rallies as they proclaim the yearly themes of the National Bible Month celebration. Sermons and homilies during National Bible Sunday focus on the Bible’s role in changing the people’s lives.

“Celebrating the NBM reminds the Filipino people of the primacy of God’s Word over their lives and decisions. If we want to see true development and lasting change in our lives as a people and as a country, then we need to follow the Word’s statutes and obey its precepts. Truly, what the world needs now is God’s Word – the Bible!” as stated in the Philippine Bible Society’s website for this year’s celebration.

“The theme gives us clarity that the Bible becomes the base of a nation – the nation’s heart. The year ahead may have many challenges but the Bible is our basis and guide,” said the Philippine Bible Society’s General Secretary Dr. Nora G. Lucero, adding:

“The Bible is what will unite us in times of change and in our journey of growing together. We can’t see total transformation in a year. But we can’t lose that clarity or clearness and continuity of vision to work towards a nation transformed by the Bible, united by God’s Word.”

The Archdiocese of Davao is one in the celebration of the National Bible Month, with January 26 celebrated as National Bible Sunday.