Welcoming the light

After continued deadly skirmishes and a terrorist clas- sification to cut off funding, the government and communist rebels have suspended their offensives for the holidays. Both sides should exert their utmost not to break their own announced truce.

Even long before Jesus Christ was born, peace on Earth has been elusive. A respite from armed conflict, even for only a few days of the year, has become a welcome Yuletide tradition in this country even as the communist insurgency persists. A permanent end to the conflict is infinitely better, but this can be possible only if reasonable conditions are set and there is a sincere desire to forge lasting peace.

Those who lost loved ones in recent insurgency-related clashes will be spending this most joyous day in mourning. They will need fervent prayers so they can find comfort and some joy on Christmas Day.

Special prayers also go to the victims of Storm Vinta as the death toll in several provinces continued to rise yesterday beyond 200. Survivors need immediate assistance in their most basic needs starting with food and water.

Apart from the storm, Davao also reeled yesterday from a fire in a shopping mall where at least 37 people died. Most of the fatalities were workers at a 24-hour call center on the top floor, a level above a furniture shop where the fire at the fourstory NCCC mall reportedly started. President Duterte was seen in tears as he comforted a woman who had lost a loved one in the fire.

Even while commiserating with those who are spending a joyless Christmas, families gather today for the celebration of life and love. The birth of Jesus Christ brings a message of hope, and the certainty that the darkest night never lasts forever. It is always broken by dawn and a spreading light.

A blessed Christmas to everyone!