What traditions do you observe during the Christmas season?

Sumagot si Jesus, “Ako ang daan, ang katotohanan, at ang buhay. Walang makakapunta sa Ama kundi sa pamamagitan ko.”

Juan 14:6

Jay grew up spending Christmas eve at his grandparents’ house. He looked forward to playing with his cousins, caroling, and enjoying her Lola’s creamy baked macaroni. They have been following this tradition for years until their grandparents passed away.

Since then, the Christmas gatherings have become less frequent. So Jay wanted to bring back the Christmas tradition but it seemed impossible to organize. Jay’s wife, Kara, saw how important this was for Jay and secretly connected with Jay’s relatives to plan a grand reunion the following year.

Christmas is a joyous occasion, especially for Filipinos because we start preparing for the holidays in September. We begin creating a Christmas list, making holiday reservations, preparing the Christmas menu, and hanging Christmas lights and parol. Often, the real reason for the season gets overlooked because everyone is too preoccupied with the celebration and not the celebrant.

Christ’s birth is the hope mankind has been longing for. The only One who could save us from our wretched life has been born! Jesus is the only One who takes our sins away, cleanses us from within, and bridges the gap between us and the Father.

Before we get caught up with the festivities, let’s pause and pray to Jesus, who is the savior of our souls and the true Celebrant of Christmas.

Let’s continue to celebrate the Christmas season by reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas. Join us again tomorrow for the continuation of our series “12 Days Before Christmas.”