“HEAR it every Christmas time, but hope and history won’t rhyme. So what’s it worth? Peace on Earth” - U2, Peace on Earth
How can we say Merry Christmas in these times?
When quakes have flattened houses, and blasts have shaken the places of quiet and prayers.
When Maranao families are still living in tents, after their “liberation”.
When the Manobo Lumad are still in sanctuaries, and not in the quiet range of Pantaron.
When one child, or one parent, is not on the dining table, but has passed away.
“Where I grew up. There weren’t many trees. Where there was we’d tear them down and use them on our enemies” – U2, Peace on Earth
2019 comes to a close. Not only a year, but a decade will come to pass. Storms, wars, quakes, blood, tears have defined our times.
There are uncertainties for many. How do we journey to the next decade when we will meet the same events?
It is almost like the same journey of the Holy Family, without a home, without a clear destination, yet they made it. And theirs is a story that defined us. Migrants. Indigenous peoples. Victims of wars. Lost but still finding good hearts that help them up.
“So this is Christmas, and what have you done?” – John Lennon, Merry X-Mas, War is Over
What is Christmas but hope for peace?
Martial law will end on December 31. Government and the Reds, and both sides have declared a ceasefire for the holidays, in preparation for the reopening of peace talks.
But does it bring the peace we want?
“Peace on Earth can it be? Years from now, perhaps we’ll see?
Every child must be made aware. Every child must be made to care. Care enough for his fellow man. To give all the love that he can.” – Bowie and Crosby, Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth
Lennon, Bowie, Bono, these rockstars captured that spirit in their songs. Christmas is about finding the spirit, of hope and faith. Some will say it is finding the Force like Rey, ah, that Star Wars hangover for some. As the film said: “Rebellions are based on hope”. And based on love too, I may add.
“Let’s hope it’s a good one, without any fear” - Lennon