MANILA Archbishop Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle on Friday, December 20, reminded the Filipino faithful that the joy of Christmas comes from Jesus and not from their bonuses.

In his homily during the Simbang Gabi mass at the Manila Cathedral, Tagle said it is lamentable that there are individuals who find a different source of joy during the Christmas Season aside from Jesus Christ.

"This Christmas, is it Jesus you are excited to see? It appears not for many, but rather their bonuses. If they have their Christmas bonus but no Christ, it's already good," said Tagle.

He said such scenes also manifest in other aspects, such as people knowing where to find discounted items but are clueless on the Gospel readings.

The Cardinal also pointed out how Christmas decors include boxes of gifts, instead of the Nativity Scene or the "Belen".

"Did Angel Gabriel promise Mary that she shall give birth to a box and that she shall call it Christmas?" he asked.

"Especially for children, we need to bring them this message because they don't know that anymore," stressed Tagle.

Simbang Gabi is a Filipino Christmas tradition comprising of a series of nine dawn masses that are held as early as 4 a.m.

It started last December 16 and will continue until Christmas Eve, December 24. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)