" Every good and perfect gift is from above."

James 1:17

“Whenever I see girls and boys

Selling lanterns on the street

I remember the child in the manger as he sleeps

Whenever there are people

Giving gifts exchanging cards…”

As early as September first of every year, you cannot help but hum or sing this famous Christmas song by Jose Mari Chan every time you hear it being played in the radio or as a background music in the shopping mall or even in the restaurant. The same still holds true today despite the pandemic. You also start to make your own Christmas wish list for your family, relatives, friends as well as for yourself, too. However, during this difficult time, what can you give this Christmas which is shinier than silver, more precious than gold or even more priceless than diamonds?

JOY

What do you see in the mirror when you look at it when you wake up every morning? Maaga pa lang ba ay mahaba na ang mukha mo, kunot ang noo at salubong ang mga kilay? (Do you wear a long face, have wrinkles on your forehead and your eyebrows brought together?) Or are your eyes crinkled at the corners and your lips curled upward? The best way to greet your spouse and your child every morning is to wear a genuine smile. It lights up your day and it affects the people around you, too. You bring joy to every person in your household rather than a heavy heart. Don't be like an ape that you see on the walls of some government offices with the famous lines below, "BAWAL NAKASIMANGOT."

EMPOWERMENT

You are deeply concerned about the health of your family, including yourself, too. You want to make sure that everyone in your home are protected. You follow the health protocol of washing your hands for 20 seconds using soap and water, wearing a face mask and face shield and observing social distance when you go out to buy the essentials. But nothing beats the dreaded virus like COVID 19 when you take charge of your own health and your family, too. Be happy, healthy and holy through faith in God, food as medicine, regular exercise, enough sleep, love of nature, positive attitude and stress management. You empower yourself to awaken the healer within you. Dahil sa panahon ngayon, 'BAWAL MAGKASAKIT."

SIMPLICITY

Christmas will not be complete without a banquet like a NOCHE BUENA in Christmas Eve. But does your budget permit an extravagant buffet? Simplify your lifestyle and save for the rainy day. Buy only what you need and learn to apply the principle 10-10-10-70 which is to save 10 %, invest 10 %, tithe 10 % and spend 70 % of your income. Find means to augment your finances by looking for a business or endeavor that will bring the additional funds that will sustain the needs of your family. If you earn more than enough, share your blessings. If you want abundance in life, "BAWAL ANG MARAMOT."

UNITY

You just witnessed an unprecedented event in the lower house that speaks of disharmony among the esteemed congressmen. This can also happen within your home if you choose to ignore the signs. You have to listen to the cries of every member of your family and address their concerns as soon as possible so that the problem will not balloon into gargantuan proportion. You become the tie that binds the family together or the bridge that connects those who have been estranged. From Romans 15:5-6, it says “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to think in harmony with one another, in keeping with Christ Jesus, that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Everyone must play their part well to create a great symphony like an orchestra because you are united as a family with your values intact. "BAWAL ANG PASAWAY."

STEWARDSHIP

Be a good steward who will take care of your family and your community. Wherever you may be, you can practice this virtue so that the earth can be a better place to live in because you have learned to safeguard your environment, too. Reduce trash, recycle old stuff and reuse eco-friendly bags among other things. You set et good examples that young people can emulate so that they will end up as good citizens of the country because they chose to serve others with their time, talent and treasure. From 1 Peter 4:10, “Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gifts each of you has received.” If you want to preserve the environment for the future generation to enjoy, "BAWAL MAGKALAT."

The best gift this Christmas is J.E.S.U.S. (Joy, Empowerment, Simplicity, Unity and Stewardship). Be Jesus to every person that you meet so others may see the face of Christ in you. Be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Be the beacon where people go to just like Jesus. when they are lost, lonely or heavily-laden.