Making Christmas happen

In 1988, our brother, then Rep. Oscar Orbos (1st district, Pangasinan) was appointed secretary of the DOTC (Department of Transportation and Communications). In jest, a friend asked me “How about you, Fr. Jerry? What is your department?” My reply was: “Department of Transformation and Communion!”

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In today’s Gospel (Lk. 1, 39-45), we hear about Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth, carrying Jesus in her womb, and giving so much joy, hope, and love with her presence. Let us ask ourselves today: What/who am I bringing in my journey, and what am I communicating in my life? In other words, who is in my heart, and what is the message of my life?

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Sad to say, many of us carry only ourselves, and speak only of ourselves most of the time. Mama Mary lived for something, someone greater than herself. May we do the same and likewise so that we, too, live authentic and meaningful lives.

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There’s no person, now or ever, who loved Jesus as much as Mary did. She carried Him in her heart from the time He was in her womb until He was in the tomb, and beyond. Those who claim to love Christ and malign her don’t have any idea how Mama Mary loved and served her son.

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Today we light the fourth candle of the Advent wreath, the candle of love. May we not give up, nor be cynical about love. Love, not money, still is the most powerful force in our lives. Let us not be disheartened or dismayed. Let’s continue to give love a chance.

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This Christmas I pray that in spite of difficulties, we may realize the tremendous love of God. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son.”(Jn 3,16) That is what Christmas is all about.

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We still have so much to learn about true loving. May Christmas be the time for us all to be humble and accept our shortcomings toward God and toward one another. A humble and contrite heart is the best crib to welcome the newborn King.

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Typhoon “Odette” left behind much destruction and suffering for our people especially in the south. Make your Christmas happen by making Christmas happen for others, especially the poor and the suffering, Now na!

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Yesterday was our Papa’s 100th birthday. He left this world when he was 66 years old. He left us proud and inspired because of his integrity as a public servant, and because of his generosity to so many. Thank you, Papa, for so many heartwarming memories, and valuable lessons in life. We’ll carry on!

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“Addanto!” (There will be, someday!) Papa always told us especially, when we were young, to hope and keep on believing that something good will come, if we pray (agluwalo) and we stay good (agsinpet). Christmas is about hoping and believing that good things will come our way, if we pray, and obey!

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The first Christmas was quiet, simple, peaceful, and full of love. It was Mama Mary’s Christmas. Wishing you all a MARY CHRISTMAS. Please remember that Christmas is not just for a day, but for everyday.

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“Poor persons will never disappear from the earth. That’s why I’m giving you this command: you must open your hand generously to your fellow Israelites, to the needy among you, and to the poor who live with you in your land.” (Deuteronomy 15,11)

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A moment with the Lord:

Lord, help us to make Christmas happen again, and again. Amen.

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