9th Day of Simbang Gabi 2017

I have been in Roxas City to buy a gift for my self this Christmas at a well-known mall. I have seen their beautiful decorations, light display, Santa Claus’ pictures and some Christmas trees. There was this greeting that was posted about a holiday but nothing about Christmas except for the Christmas sale. I heard some Christmas songs played all over the place. I saw many people spent their day there. They thought that such a place reminds them of Christmas. No way! For me, everything is arranged there to attract buyers and it is purely about commercialism like some other malls or stores owned by non-Christians. (I do not mean to offend our non-Christian friends by stating this.) 

Why do I say this? Well, I have also been in Kalibo, Aklan to buy a portable hard drive in a local Supermarket and I could say it‘s Christmas there! It was the only mall or store or supermarket which could remind people of what Christmas is all about. They had this “belen” where I saw the image of Jesus with Mary and Joseph, the three magi and some animals. Of course, as a Supermarket, they mean business. But what makes them different from others is that with their “belen”, they make their buyers aware that Christmas is about Jesus, the Christ. 

There is no Christmas without Christ Jesus!!! May our Gospel, Luke 1: 26-38 make us aware of this as the angel said to Mary, “The Lord is with you!” It means that Jesus is with Mary, and is also with us. It is because of Him (Jesus) that we have this Christmas. So, those who have something to buy for their “noche buena” or Christmas party, should not forget to thank God first. Could they not go to church or invite a priest to celebrate mass at their place before they start their party? For those who have no money to buy some gifts or to celebrate Christmas in grandiose fashion, they could still pray to thank God or else they should be ashamed of themselves because even the first Christmas was celebrated in a manger, it was a celebration with Jesus. It is important that  during this season, we thank God for His great love for all of us. Amen.