By Silsilah Dialogue Movement

(Message prepared in collaboration with some respected Muslim religious leaders of the Silsilah Inter-Faith Council of Leaders (IFCL) of Zamboanga City)

ADVENT is the beginning of the Christian liturgical calendar. This year, Advent is from November 30 to December 25. For Christians, Advent is a time to prepare spiritually for the coming of "Emmanuel" (God among us).

The Silsilah family, composed of Christians and Muslims, has given special attention, for more than twenty years, to the month of Ramadhan. Christians are encouraged to share a special solidarity with Muslims during Ramadhan. Now, as a family and movement, we encourage heightened awareness of Advent and its spirit and invite Muslims to share solidarity with Christians.

What's your take on the Mindanao crisis? Discuss views with other readers

During Ramadhan, the Muslim umma commemorates the revelation of the Holy Qur'an as the "Word of God". Christians during Advent celebrate the coming of the "Emmanuel", Jesus Christ. He is for the Christians the "Logos/Word of God".

Although the Muslims and Christian faith differ in the understanding of these two events, there is something in common to remember and celebrate.

Both communities of believers celebrate God's love and compassion in two different ways. The Muslim members and friends of Silsilah now practice solidarity with Christians during Advent and Christmas as a sign of respect and friendship.

In the past, Muslims in the Philippines used to be in solidarity with Christians at Christmas. Unfortunately, it (Christmas) has been "commercialized" and many, even Christians, do not understand the real meaning of Advent and Christmas.

With this message, we hope to challenge Christians to live and promote the real spirit of Christmas, which is a time for renewal. It is a time that helps Christians understand better the centrality of God, through Jesus, in the history of Salvation. Advent and Christmas remind Christians of the need to live according to the commandments of God.

For Christians, Jesus is the Emmanuel and for Muslims, Jesus is one of the great prophets of Islam. Jesus brings a message of the love and compassion of Allah/God for the humanity.

The Week of Peace, from November 27 to December 3 this year, is celebrated in Mindanao by both Muslims and Christians. This year's theme, "Integrity of Mind and Heart: A Way to Reconciliation and Peace" is an inspiration for all during this difficult time.

God's love encourages Muslims and Christians to live the spirit of the Mindanao Week of Peace for "integrity" can be promoted only by people of "pure heart and mind".

We hope that religious events of all religions become occasions of dialogue that guide people to "integrity" and respect for diversity. With this spirit we invite all to pray together:

"O Lord, I cry for peace,
Purify my eyes to see peace,
Purify my mind to understand peace,
Purify my memory to work for peace;
The peace that comes from Your love and compassion."

For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Dumaguete.

(December 4, 2008 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here.