SIX days from now, the Philippines will start the first of nine morning Masses with Christmas festivities continuing until Epiphany on Jan. 6, 2025.
In the run up to the festival celebrated by Christians as the birth of Jesus Christ, we see continuing conflicts in many areas – governments falling, leaders under threat of impeachment, persistent poverty, and challenges on populations from climate change.
We are certain the head of the Catholic Church, who previously made statements on concord or amity, will deliver his traditional Christmas message with focus on his call for peace and an end to violence and an appeal to help those in sufferance.
Millions are risking lives to reach Europe from different countries confronted by violent conflicts, insecurity or political repression.
Under focus in these conflicts are issues of inequality, injustice and exclusion.
Available figures suggest more than 1.5 billion people live in countries affected by violent conflicts, 59.5 million are forcibly displaced worldwide, 19.5 million of them refugees, of which half are children.
Beyond the celebratory Christmas carols, tree decorations, gift-giving and parties, we underline here the acknowledgment that the Philippines has been battered by deadly typhoons during the last semester of the year.
It is thus well-timed that as we approach Christmas we remember the victims of typhoons and other disasters since the season is a time of joy for all Filipinos.
We heard President Marcos in his call on the nation and his reminder to everyone that Christmas is a time of joy for all Filipinos, a time to extend compassion to those in need, stressing that every Filipino deserves to celebrate the Yuletide despite the challenges.
We add our voice to the President’s call on everyone to remember those still recovering from the devastation caused by unforgiving typhoons and other calamities as he pointed out “we all deserve Christmas.”
Against environmental challenges like El Niño, La Niña, and the recent typhoons that impacted this country of 117 million, we are allayed by the President’s assurance that his administration is committed to making Christmas 2024 memorable.
President Marcos has directed government agencies to ensure the spirit of Christmas reaches Filipino communities despite the recent climate challenges that caused loss of lives and properties.
As the President himself asked fellow Filipinos, they should continue to embrace the traditions of Christmas, while emphasizing the importance of joy and togetherness during the season.
