It's Starting to Look a lot Like Christmas

 

We are preoccupied with rules on how to enjoy Christmas this year– with just members of the family who live in the same household, to continue wearing masks, to observe social separation, or to wash hands frequently– due to the attention on the Covid virus. For our mutual security and safety, we are being prevented from visiting one another. But Covid should not spoil our Christmas celebrations! This Season, let us share more hope, peace, joy, and love!

This year, we can still celebrate Christmas in our own unique ways. Prioritizing the traditions that are most important to you, which don't have to be expensive or extravagant. We must never forget the actual meaning of Christmas. This pandemic should not prevent us from celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Remember the genuine meaning of Christmas this year and enjoy God's wonderful gesture of love. Christmas is a time to give thanks for everything God has done for humanity and to celebrate His birth by giving presents, worshiping Him, and looking forward to the promise of Heaven.

Always keep in mind that the point of the Christmas season isn't to have a house decked out in Christmas lights, a big and beautiful Christmas tree laden with gifts beneath it, or to exchange expensive gifts. Christmas is really about sharing what you have, not just tangible items but also feelings such as a warm, tight hug, a simple thank you, expressing our gratitude to our loved ones, and forgiveness, among other things.

Indeed, despite the epidemic and the numerous challenges it has brought to the Philippines and the rest of the world, most notably in how Christmas celebrations and festivities have been transformed and limited to some extent, the core of Christmas remains the same. Even in the midst of the pandemic, Christmas is a time of giving, caring, and renewed hope for a better future. It still refers to generosity and goodwill toward all people, particularly the least fortunate, particularly at this time of epidemic. To protect themselves from the deadly coronavirus, Filipinos can give themselves, their loved ones, and friends the perseverance and discipline to follow the government's minimum health standards, such as social distancing, wearing face masks, washing hands, staying at home, and avoiding crowded places.