As the traditional nine-day “Simbang Gabi” (dawn mass) begins in all Catholic churches across the country and in many parts of the world today, a Church leader reminded the faithful of the true meaning of the Christmas season.
“Christ is the best gift that every believer can receive this Christmas season, He, who symbolizes true concern for others. The human race is so important to God that He gave His only Son to save mankind from eternal damnation,” Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal G. Tagle said.
“Christmas symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. Every year, we remind the faithful that the center of all celebrations during Christmas is the coming of our Savior, God’s gift to man that serves as a reminder that even if there is darkness, sin, and weakness, love, blessings, and the Lord’s peace still prevail,” Tagle stressed.
The prelate reminded the faithful to focus on the spiritual aspect of Christmas, its religious undertone, and to reflect on how the Lord’s triumph through Christ has changed lives and how people can share this change to others, particularly those who are suffering. “By doing so, we are able to share the true essence of Christmas to others,” the cardinal said.
Meanwhile, Balanga Bishop Ruperto C. Santos, chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission for Migrants and Itinerant People, shared that even Overseas Filipino Workers diligently observe the Simbang Gabi. (Christina I. Hermoso)
