Christmas in our hearts

Christmas is in the air.
But we must make sure Christmas is in our hearts too.
The true spirit of Christmas is giving.
But this time, giving should not be in the nature of exchange gifts.
So many have been distressed because of the devastation brought by typhoon Sendong.
Just yesterday, we received stories that the affected hinterland areas of Valencia, particularly Palimpinon, Puhagan, Mala-unay, Pulang-bato have been isolated from ordinary transport that is why relief has come a little slow.
This Christmas, the Lord is giving us a golden opportunity to celebrate the season the way it should be celebrated.
We are witnessing so many brothers and sisters suffering because of the typhoon.
We visited barangay Batinguel and Candau-ay and around 250 families there will be spending Christmas in the classrooms and sleeping atop desks.
We went to the wake of a family, the Balbon-Calijan family of Tubtubon Sibulan, six members of whom perished because of the typhoon’s merciless wrath.
It is a heart-wrenching, chest-crumpling story.
It is a difficult struggle already to loose a loved one.
How much more six family members at the same time, and worse, at Christmas?
The survivor-husband Nimuel Calijan, weeping in front of an array of coffins, summed it all: “This is like a terrible dream.”
This week, we saw the face of tragedy.
On the happy side, our eyes saw the generosity of many willing to help.
We also witnessed the eager response of kind hearted- individuals who just gave what they could to ease the pain of those who suffer.
“There was a call, so we came to help,” said one doctor bringing a box of relief items.
God does not physically come down from Heaven to give aid to the distressed.
He uses those fortunate to be spared as instruments to implement His works of mercy.
But the destruction is so overwhelming, that we need more help.
We suggest that you organize your group, your peers, your classmates, officemates, and team up to give.
There are still many others whose shoulders just need to be gently tapped, so they can extend help.
Sometimes, they are just waiting for someone to initiate.
Believe it or not, you and your friends can create your own little miracle, and see the spectacle of God’s amazing grace.
Let’s continue to give this Christmas.
Give without ceasing.
With that, we can truly say Christmas is in our hearts.
From my family to yours, Merry Christmas.