The first day of September marks the beginning of the world’s longest Christmas celebration – only here in the Philippines.

Even as kids, we have loved this time of the year for the long holiday breaks, the cold weather, the tradition of Noche Buena, the Monito-Monita among dearest of friends and family, the lighting of Christmas trees and parol, and the Simbang Gabi as we hear carols being sang by the choir.

But how can we celebrate Christmas in this time of pandemic - when many of our kababayans are still grieving for the lost of their loved ones?

How can we make Christmas much brighter this year – when we have lost our livelihood? When the poor are left in so much despair? When our Frontliners suffer more discrimination and fall victim to the virus itself? When our economy and the rest of the world’s come crashing due to casualties and loss of millions of businesses?

Perhaps, this is a call to kneel down and remember our Father in heaven!

Let us not forget that Christmas, in its truest essence, is about God’s demonstration of love by giving the world His only Son Jesus. 

Jesus Christ has come – not as a wealthy, entitled prince in a majestic castle - but as a humble, little babe born in a shabby stable whose earthly parents are mere people during those times.

When the holiday blues bite in, remember that Christ has come to seek and save the lost, to comfort those who mourn, to give rest to the weary and to remind us of His everlasting love to His people…and someday, as He has promised, He will wipe away our tears.