Rediscovering the True Essence of the Christmas Season

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 As the "Ber" months roll in, the Philippines transforms into a landscape of twinkling parols, endless carols, and bustling markets. We are famous for having the longest Christmas celebration in the world, but amidst the glittering decor and the rush of gift-shopping, it is easy to lose sight of the "why" behind the "what." To truly celebrate Christmas is to move past the commercial noise and return to its core essence: hope, humility, and the spirit of shared humanity.

The Heart of the Season: A Story of Humility

At its theological and historical roots, Christmas commemorates the Nativity—the birth of Jesus Christ. The essence of this story is found in its simplicity. It isn't a story of palaces and gold, but of a stable, a manger, and a family seeking shelter. This "essence" serves as a powerful reminder that the most significant shifts in history often begin in the most humble circumstances. It teaches us that value is not found in what we own, but in the presence we offer to others.

The Spirit of 'Kapwa' and Compassion

In the Filipino context, the essence of Christmas is deeply tied to the concept of Kapwa (shared identity). The season is a call to communal compassion. We see this in the tradition of Noche Buena, where the table is rarely just for the immediate family, but an open invitation to neighbors and those less fortunate.




References

  • The Holy Bible: Gospel of Luke 2:1-20 (The Account of the Nativity).

  • Enriquez, V. G. (1992). From Colonial to Liberation Psychology: The Philippine Experience (On the concept of 'Kapwa').

  • Francis, Pope. (2019). Admirabile Signum: Apostolic Letter on the Meaning and Importance of the Nativity Scene.

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