In her heartfelt Christmas Day message, Vice President Sara Duterte extended her gratitude to all Filipinos abroad for their unwavering sacrifices to support their families back home and for their significant contribution in keeping the country’s economy afloat through their remittances. She acknowledged that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and Filipinos living abroad are a true reflection of the progress and talent of the Philippines.
Duterte expressed her prayers and hopes that the efforts of OFWs and Filipinos abroad would be rewarded with a comfortable future for themselves and their families. She reassured them that she would stand behind them, offering support for their dreams, endeavors, and journey towards a better future.
In a separate message, Vice President Duterte also expressed her gratitude to the soldiers, policemen, firemen, medical personnel, disaster response personnel, and other frontline workers who were on duty during Christmas. She commended them as symbols of bravery and charity, acknowledging that their sacrifices may often go unnoticed but bring honor to their families.
Several lawmakers also shared their Christmas hopes and wishes. Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez encouraged Filipinos to embrace the spirit of bayanihan, practicing kindness and compassion during this season. He emphasized that by doing so, they would bring light and joy to the lives of others, just as the parols (Christmas lanterns) light up the skies.
House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe urged Filipinos to reflect on the true spirit of Christmas, which transcends political affiliations and unites people in shared warmth and compassion. He emphasized the importance of spreading love amidst the negativity, hate, and anger that surround us.
Assistant Majority Leader Atleta Rep. Margarita Ignacia Nograles echoed the sentiment of spreading love and encouraged everyone to continue loving one another despite the challenges and adversities faced.
House Deputy Minority Leader Francisca Castro expressed her hope for justice for all Filipinos and the resumption of peace negotiations between the government and communist rebels. She emphasized the importance of finding peaceful resolutions to conflicts for the betterment of the nation.
In his Christmas Eve Mass homily at the Manila Cathedral, Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula reminded the congregation that Christmas is a reminder of God’s love for the people. He emphasized that Christmas is not about wealth, material things, influence, or power, but a reminder that the son of God was born in humble circumstances.
Cardinal Advincula explained the tradition of the Belen or Christmas tableau, which was started by St. Francis of Assisi 800 years ago. St. Francis wanted people to understand that the Christmas story is not a fiction but a real story of God humbling himself and being born as a baby in a manger. He emphasized that this baby, Jesus, is the savior who offers deliverance from sins.
The Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) called on its congregations to fulfill the Lord’s commission to make disciples in their Christmas message. They encouraged Christians to reflect on the significance of Christmas, which is to remember the birth of Jesus Christ. The PCEC reminded believers that even in the face of hardships and trials, they can find comfort in knowing that God is with them.
As we celebrate Christmas, let us take a moment to appreciate the sacrifices of overseas Filipinos and frontline workers who have played a vital role in supporting their families and the nation. May we also embrace the true spirit of Christmas by showing kindness, compassion, and love to one another.
Source: The Manila Times
