What mattersmost thisChristmas
A different Christmas season, indeed. A kind that we did not even expect or imagine to happen for the longest time that we are celebrating it. The Christmas celebration that all of us are used to speak of everything festive, bright, and packed with so many activities that a day isn't enough for us to spend it with all our loved ones.
The pandemic that is
happening now is something that has not occurred since the 1889 flu pandemic, and it has caught the entire world off its guard. With a glimmering hope of vaccines finally being utilized in developed countries, the Philippines may yet to see this happening around the second quarter of 2021. That leaves us all still with the best choice during this holiday season and that is to stay at home and avoid mass gatherings.
For this year, we temporarily say goodbye to face-to-face Christmas parties, family reunions and gatherings, shopping for gifts, and other merriments that we are always looking forward to at this time of the year. While it is sad to be limited with at-home activities and being with our immediate family members to avoid the spread of COVID-19, this is I think also an opportune time to reflect on the real essence of this annual celebration.
We may have to admit that through the years, we have been so focused on the material aspect of the Christmas season as we head off to the malls and stores to find the perfect gifts for our inaanaks, friends, and families. In fact, shopping has never been made easier as online apps such as Shopee and Lazada are dominating the world of e-commerce.
Maybe this low time in our lives should make us realize that material things should not be the source of our happiness but instead, it is the presence of our loved ones especially those that we do not see very often. We must look forward to spending time, chatting, and catching up with our relatives and not the gifts that we will receive from them.
Most importantly, for us Catholics, we must ponder on the reason of the celebration and that is the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. With his birth into our world, may we find hope and strength to cope with all the burdens that this distressing period has caused us. May we intensify our faith in Him as our savior and find peace in His promise of deliverance for all of us.
Amidst this pandemic, I wish everyone a safe and Merry Christmas!