That Season of the Year

(This column appears in today's edition of the Leyte-Samar Daily Express)

Hi there! Sad to miss you before Christmas. I got kinda busy that I forgot to enumerate my usual rant about that season of the year (notice that I didn’t refer to is as ‘that day of the year’. It’s reserved for Valentine’s Day).

So, we are 365 days away to the next Christmas, and that’s more than enough time to prepare for that time of the year when most of us spend like there is no tomorrow, the economic crunch notwithstanding.

What is it with Christmas that the news reports on the recession (and yes, even the ongoing Bolante investigation) get side swept by the buying frenzy, the shopping like crazy it seems like most people tend to forget that there is still another set of 12 months that follow Christmas. What is it with that season of the year that makes people think that they have to spend every penny there is?

Of course, it’s not all about buying. The season of Christmas also ushers in that big event for the Church in the Philippines which we call the Misa De Gallo. What is it with that 9-day novena mass which always gives us images of churches practically filled up (to the rim, if I may say) by both young and old people? Is it the prayer? The need to prepare for the birth of the Saviour? Perhaps out of tradition or obligation? Or maybe for the simple reason of being there to see and be seen? I remember a priest saying that the answer to these questions depend upon which generation or age bracket one is into.

Many have lamented about how Christmas have become too commercialized. That this is a far cry from the real reason why there is this season of the year. Of course we have been told (or is it taught?) many times that the Savior was horn in a manger. Sadly many nativity scenes or sets (and yes, Hollywood) have romanticized the image of the manger. Just the same, the manger is said to represent the world of the poor unto which the King was born, far from the opulence or the extravagance that characterize the Christmas of the capitalist world; or the Christmas of today.

Suddenly, a question hangs in the air. Is the Church losing her battle in instilling to her faithful the real meaning or essence or spirit of Christmas? Your answer is as good as mine. The church is under the care of the priests and pastors, and we have both good and bad pastors. You take from there. But on the other hand, I am inclined to believe that today’s generation seems to have preferred to have things easy. And many have preferred to take anything that wouldn’t require them to think and contemplate much, even in matters of faith. Along that line I remember one priest saying that this explains why there are so many (TV) evangelists who click simply because they take the matters of the faith lightly, and lightly this time spells: mababaw.

I am no authority on matters of the faith. My theology is limited to the four theo subjects I took in college. However, the history buff in me says that times have changed and new methods or skills or means are needed to survive in this world.

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While we are into my rant about too much spending about Christmas (oops, it’s the stingy in me complaining), I might as well leave you with something I got via email: Advance Birthday Celebration.

Dear All,

As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year there is a celebration in my honor and I think that this year the celebration will be repeated.

During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many radio announcements, TV commercials, and in every part of the world everyone is talking that my birthday is getting closer and closer.

It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think of me.

As you know, the celebration of my birthday began many years ago.

At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for the celebration.

Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know the meaning of the celebration.I remember that last year there was a great feast in my honor. The dinner table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were many, many beautifully wrapped gifts.

But, do you want to know something? I wasn't invited.

I was the guest of honor and they didn't remember to send me an invitation.

The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left outside, they closed the door in my face .. and I wanted to be with them and share their table.

In truth, that didn't surprise me because in the last few years all close their doors to me.

Since I wasn't invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner.

They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and laughing at everything. They were having a grand time.

To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red wearing a long white beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! He seemed drunk. He sat on the sofa and all the children ran to him, saying: "Santa Claus, Santa Claus" as if the party were in his honor!

At midnight all the people began to hug each other; I extended my arms waiting for someone to hug me and do you know no-one hugged me.

Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one with great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe, there was one for me. What would you feel if on your birthday everybody shared gifts and you did not get one?

I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left.

Every year it gets worse. People only remember the gifts, the parties, to eat and drink, and nobody remembers me.

I would like this Christmas that you allow me to enter into your life.

I would like that you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago I came to this world to give my life for you, on the cross, to save you.

Today, I only want that you believe this with all your heart.

I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite me to their party, I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever imagined, a spectacular party. I'm still making the final arrangements.

Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you. I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for you and write your name with golden letters in my great guest book.

Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party.

Those who don't answer the invite, will be left outside. Be prepared because when all is ready you will be part of my great party.

See you soon,

I Love you! Jesus Christ

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Taragpo 2008. The Annual CKC-CSVP Grand Alumni Homecoming will be held this Sunday December 28 at the Frs. David and Leopold Auditorium at the CKC Campus. This year’s host is High School Batch 1988.

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Have a nice weekend everyone! Ciao!