Manila Bulletin

Why Christmas will always be happy

- FR. BEL R. SAN LUIS, SVD

By

THERE are four stages in a man’s life. First, when he believes in Santa Claus. Second, when he doesn’t believe in Santa Claus anymore. Third, when he is Santa Claus. Fourth, when he looks like Santa Claus. * * * Why did the pants of Santa Claus get wet on Christmas eve? Answer: Because the old Santa “jingled” all the way.

* * * Many of us have different perception­s about this year’s Christmas celebratio­n.

Some say, “It’s not happy because of the few gifts I’ve received.” For kababayans who‘re reeling from the devastatin­g typhoons “Urduja” and “Vinta,” “it’s a bleak Christmas.”

Still others say, “A promising business failed, a brother died” or “Papa working in Saudi can’t come home for Christmas.”

* * * Christmas would, indeed, be a lot happier if times were better. Still Christmas this year – and every year – will always be happy. And the reason is because of the joyful reality that Christ came into our world.

* * * Therefore when the pessimist in us is tempted to cry out: “Look what the world has come to!” We should rather say: “Look what has come to the world!”

“God so loved the world that he sent his only-begotten Son.” Think about it: God didn’t send an angel or a heavenly proxy but His very own Son! (Jn 3,16).

* * * Consider this, too: The Son of God, the Creator of the Universe came through the backdoor of his own creation, poor and bereft of material wealth.

* * *

Isn’t this telling us Christ’s message that greatness and true happiness are not measured in worldly terms?

Peace, kindness, love, understand­ing – these are the unworldly things that make Christmas truly happy, timely, and meaningful. * * * GIVE LOVE THIS CHRISTMAS. I am appealing on behalf of some indigent sick we are helping like Dante Cabansag and Fr. Ruben Mamuad, SVD who are undergoing hemodialys­is thrice weekly. Also M. Maranga, J. Lopez, Rosanna Cayunda sick of pulmonary ailments and a Stage 3 cancer patient.

* * *

It’s the season of Christmas. Let’s reach out to our less fortunate brethren.

* * * Let me thank our very generous latest donors: Don Greggy Licaros, Gerry “Mr. Freeze” Santos, WillyLina Ong, and a very generous anonymous donor,

* * *

Others are most welcome to extend financial assistance. For inquiries, e-mail me at: belsvd@ gmail.com.

* * * ST. JUDE. Got a serious problem with money, studies, sickness or family relationsh­ip? Today, join our novena to St. Jude, Saint of the Impossible, at the Divine Word Shrine, Christ the King Seminary on E. Rodriguez Boulevard, Quezon City after the 6 p.m. mass.

A healing prayer and anointing of the sick will follow.

 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Philippines