A MAN, who had a serious financial problem, moaned: “I’ve never realized how bad the economy was until I spoke to Sta. Claus on the phone. During our chat, I asked: ‘How’s Rudolph, the reindeer?’”
He said, “Delicious!”
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Many of us have different perceptions about this year’s Christmas celebration. Like the businessman above, some say, “Christmas is not happy because of the economic crisis.” For our countrymen who are still reeling from the devastating typhoon “Tisoy” as well as the victims of successive earthquakes in Mindanao, it’s a bleak Christmas, indeed.
Still others say, “A brother died in an accident or Tatay/Nanay who’re working abroad can’t come home for Christmas.”
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Christmas would, indeed, be a lot happier if times were better and far from misfortunes. Still Christmas this year – and every year – will always be happy. And the reason is because CHRIST CAME INTO OUR WORLD in order to save us.
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Therefore, when the pessimist in us is tempted to cry out: “Look what the world has come to!” We should rather say: “Look what has come to the world!”
“God so loved the world that He sent his only-begotten Son.” Think about it: God didn’t send an angel or a heavenly proxy but His very own Son! (Jn 3,16).
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Consider this, too: The Son of God, the Creator of the Universe, came through the backdoor of his own creation, poor and bereft of material wealth.
Isn’t this telling us Christ’s message that greatness and true happiness are not measured in worldly terms?
Peace, kindness, love, forgiveness, understanding – these are the unworld-ly values that make Christmas truly happy, merry and meaningful.
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INSPIRING! There are some charitable organizations, companies, and offices I know who donated part of their Christmas gifts and bonuses to buy relief goods for the victims of typhoon “Tisoy” along with the devastating earthquakes in Mindanao.
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Parishes and churches have joined hands to reach out through second collections in Masses, solicitations, and programs for a cause.
God bless them!
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LAUGH ONE ANOTHER. A small boy is praying beside his mother in church after a Simbang Gabi: “Lord, bigyan mo ako ng cheeseburger, French fries, apple pie, strawberry shake, diet coke…”
A priest passing by, said: “Iho, nanalangin ka ba o nag-oorder?” (Son, are you praying or ordering?).
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If Sta. Claus were alive today, he’d think twice before scaling up into any chimney. Overweight, over fifty, and carrying the load of a bulging tummy – Santa would be a candidate for heart attack.
Overweights, watch out!
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Question: Why did the pants of Sta. Claus got wet on Christmas eve?
Answer: Because he was so busy distributing gifts that he “jingled” all the way.
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A lady was passing by a shopping mall and noticed a Crib outside. “ Oh Lord,” she exclaimed. “They’re putting back Christ to Christmas!”
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FAMILY TV MASS – is aired on 5PLUS Channel 59 at 6-7 a.m. every Sunday and at YouTube on “The Filipino Catholic.” Sponsor: LADY OF MT. CARMEL PARISH, Sta. Maria, Bulacan. Presider: Rev. Fr. Egai de Jesus.
The FAMILY that prays together stays together.
