A Thankful Christmas

We will be celebrating a different Christmas this year as the pandemic, that is COVID-19, continues to loom over us. Though there are already vaccines discovered in countries like Great Britain, China, Russia and United States, among others, of which our country is lining up to avail of said vaccines, still we should continue to take precautionary measures and follow health protocols to avoid the virus. With that, the government, particularly President Rodrigo Duterte, called on the Filipino people to make our Christmas celebration simple and avoid mass gathering in order to prevent the surge of COVID-19 victims after the said celebration. In line with that, the Catholic Church also encourages a more meaningful Christmas celebration within our families. We are also asked to participate in various church activities may it be online or face to face. Here in Davao City, though we are allowed to hold the Misa de Gallo, we have been reminded by Mayor Sara Duterte to always observe health protocols during observance of all our church activities leading to and during Christmas and New Year.

During this time, may we be reminded on the true essence of Christmas by reflecting on what happened during the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. It was a simple occasion but meaningful.

Indeed, our celebration of Christmas should focus more on being thankful to God despite the pandemic. Though there were victims of the virus who died, many also recovered and have been given a second lease in life. This season is also an opportunity to thank God for the gift of family whom we have the opportunity to bond with all this time. More importantly, we should be grateful to God who sends his son our Lord Jesus to be born through Mama Mary, who eventually died in order to save us from all our unrighteousness. Likewise, this time should prepare us to be ready and look forward to the second coming of our Lord.

On another note, this season is the time to forgive those who have hurt us. A simple Christmas greeting through text, chat or call will do to reconnect with them. Let us also show kindness to those who are in need not only by sharing our blessings but also by being kind in words and in deed.

In closing, am sharing with you below a Christmas prayer that was posted at myCatholic.life:

Glory to God in the highest!

My precious Lord, Jesus,

I adore You with profound love and rejoice in the celebration of Your birth.

Your love for us is unfathomable, it is glorious, transforming, awe-inspiring, and deeply personal.

You chose to come and dwell among us, being born into poverty, rejection and humility.

Yet Your mother knew whom she bore, Her heart was filled with the tenderest love as she adored her Child and her God.

Help me, dear Lord to come to love You with the heart of Your mother.

Invite me to adore You with St. Joseph and the poor shepherds.

Reveal to me the glorious power of Your birth and change my life on account of this perfect gift of Yourself.

I love You, dear Lord Jesus.

Help me to love You with all my heart.

Newborn Savior of the World, I trust in You.

Mother Mary and St. Joseph, Pray for me and for all.

Amen.

Merry Christmas, everyone!!!

“Christmas gives us an opportunity to pause and reflect on the important things around us.” – David Cameron