Wednesday, February 7, 2007

Reming’s wake at Christmas


by KENEE SAMBO

Christmas is the most popular and most celebrated Christian holy days in the Philippines. The origin of the celebration of Christmas as well as the dates on which it is observed was rooted deeply in the history of the early Church. We do all know that Christmas season commemorates the birth of Jesus. We can certainly say that Mary gave birth to his Son Jesus, assisted by her husband Joseph, in the city of Bethlehem.

At present, the celebration of this season is an amazing variety of traditions around the world. We can tell that Christmas is near because of the rush and bustle of the holidays. Decorations like garlands hanging on walls and the colorful lights that glitter in Christmas trees give color in the celebration of this season. Social gatherings such as Christmas parties and reunions could never be out of the way. For some people, Christmas would not be complete without the gifts they give and receive. Thus, Christmas is really a source of happiness for lots of people.

But sad to say that the true meaning of Christmas was only truly realized in the hearts of the few. With the dreadful event that happened in the province of Albay and in the near provinces of Camarines Sur due to super-typhoon “Reming” that had left many people dead, some were wounded, some families homeless, some had nothing to eat and drink and the others suffered from illness.

In our eagerness to wait for Christmas season, we may wonder why God sends us “Reming” and the other calamities that we had experienced and we are encountering right now. I think God is telling us that there are so many things we have to ponder on for a moment than preparing for the traditional Christmas celebrations that we are used to. Today, because of the tragic event that happened, may we seek the answer to this question -- What is really the true meaning of Christmas? This is a recurring question often heard year after year especially during Christmas season. It looks a little strange that as popular as this season seems to be, we continually ask this question.

During this whole busy season how many times do we stop to reflect on the One to whom we have to give reverence? Jesus is clearly the center of all these celebrations. Luke 2: 7 says, “And she brought forth her first born Son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” How simple it is to think that the Son of God was born in a stable surrounded by farm animals. The wonder at the simplicity of the expression of the infant child that has nothing of its own to survive will forever change the world. Jesus became human and suffered for the salvation of all humanity.

We in turn have the responsibility not only for ourselves but also for our community. May our celebration of this Christmas season be inspired by the lives of those people who are in need. Let us make this Christmas a season of sharing, love, hope and joy as we all celebrate simply this most important event of the year.

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