CHRISTMAS is repentance and forgiveness. The Son of God became flesh to save mankind. We are sinners and sin is spiritual cancer that cannot be cured by money or power. The season is an opportunity for us to transform while waiting for the Second Coming of Christ.
Our commercial and earthly world has its own interpretation of Christmas... unbiblical interpretation through pagan-based liturgy, giving gifts to ourselves by buying ornaments, too much food (to those who can afford), filling up our brain with alcohol, and attending parties so that we can be seen. Don’t get mad about this. Just like you, I could be one among the many.
We always have good Christians. Good Christians focus on the Celebrator of Christmas. What does the Celebrator want? What does Jesus Christ want? Jesus is the real Sta. Claus. He wants you to be good for goodness sake. If everyone is good, nothing can be bad. Christmas celebration is as simple as that.
What gift can we give to Brother Negros since we are good? The military (policemen also) and the insurgents should stop shooting each other. Our government (local and national) should have peace and prosperity package for the Filipinos. Corrupt government officials should be born in a manger. Your money and power cannot buy heaven.
Our astute businessmen should stop enriching themselves further. Too much wealth is bad for your health and spirit. If you die you become ghosts to haunt yourselves forever. The hacenderos should share what is in them for their dumaans and sacadas. Too much pureza in you will create spiritual diabetes. Don’t be like a rich man in the Holy Bible who envied Lazarus.
Our poor brothers should not blame God for their misery. Have you given a good fight to defeat poverty? There are varied ways to do away with poverty. You just don’t know how. The people in the government, in the churches, and in the business sector should help their poor brothers. You have to walk you talk. Jesus showed us the way. Just follow him.
Government employees who have received their bonuses should share the blessings to their families and friends. Husband, forget your queridas. Wives, stop nagging at your husband. Children, give your parents good grades in your report cards. Government heads of offices stop soliciting from your employees. Fishermen do not use poison and dynamite in fishing. Farmers, stop using harmful insecticides and fertilizers.
Please do not be hurt. It is Jesus Christ that speaks through your conscience. We are here not to find fault in each other. We celebrate Christmas to make a difference in our life. We also do this for Brother Negros. Be a Christmas tree of virtues. Keep the real Belen in your heart. Be a Santa Clause for your province! Enjoy a gentle Christmas.