While two imported cases of the fast-spreading Omicron variant of COVID-19 have been detected in the country, causing some damper on the celebration of Christmas in predominantly Christian Philippines, we have strong reason to believe hope is not lost.
The entire country will remain under Alert Level 2 until the end of the year with the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic still up, but authorities have taken what may be a positive step: banning travelers from eight countries from Dec 16 to 31 to contain the spread of the Omicron variant.
We also have the impending face-to-face classes next month on the expanded online learning experience, following the pilot implementation of face-to-face classes in more than 100 public and private schools nationwide.
Indeed, how does one celebrate Christmas this year amid the pandemic?
We like to believe this would probably be one in contemporary times when we are motivated to celebrate the season in its essence and simplicity.
With our minds on the COVID virus, we are absorbed in guidelines on how to celebrate Christmas this 2021 – with only members of the family living in the same household to continue wearing face masks, observe physical distancing, or to wash hands frequently.
We are discouraged from visiting one another for our mutual protection and safety. The usual Christmas joy that we have been accustomed to is still not possible this year – at least to those who carry to the letter the basic health protocols and those who want to protect themselves and the others in the community, the eased restrictions despite.
But our Christmas celebration should not be lessened by COVID while we spread more hope, peace, joy and love this Yuletide.
This is where we should remember the birth of Jesus, where the Christmas story is one of simplicity, when the Lord and Savior was born in a manger with only his mother and father, his guests were a shepherd, a few animals and the three magi.
Verily, a heart-warming reminder of the true reason for and during the season. Aptly, 2021 has been difficult for all of us but we cling to Hope.
That amid the confusion and fear that the pandemic has brought, God is with us, has always been and will always be with us. Appropriately, Jesus is the light of the world.
May the baby Jesus continue to have room in our hearts in deed, our lives reflect Christ’s presence, and our homes radiate God’s peace. With abundance of faith, hope and love, we can be assured we will all get through this crisis together.
Then the song composed by Septimus Winner (1827-1902) “Whispering hope” will have meaning: “When the dark midnight is over/ Watch for the breaking of day/ Whispering hope (whispering hope, whispering hope)…”
There is truly a good reason for Christmas, the pandemic nonetheless.