By Robert B. Roque, Jr.
In the liturgy of the nine-day Simbang Gabi, stress is given to the joy of the season as anticipation builds up among us believers for the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
But amid tragic events – the trail of destruction left by typhoon Odette, the threat of COVID-19 and our economy in crisis – many of us may stray from the celebration or even question if happy traditions should be forgone this Christmas.
I may struggle with words to make sense of all the downs and unfortunate events we’ve gone through this year, but I do know we must be positive and, above all, united to rise above these challenges.
So today, let Firing Line remind you the essence of the spirit of Christmas, in the words of E.C. Baird, that perhaps we may all find joy this season:
I am the Christmas Spirit! I enter the home of poverty, am causing pale-faced children to open their eyes wide, in pleased wonder.
I cause the misers’ clutched hand to relax, and thus paint a bright spot on his soul.
I cause the aged to renew their youth and to laugh in the old, glad ways.
I keep romance alive in the heart of childhood, and brighten sleep with dreams of woven magic.
I cause the eager feet to climb dark stairways with filled baskets, leaving behind hearts amazed at the goodness of the world.
I cause the prodigal to pause a moment on his wild wasteful ways, and send to anxious love some little, token that releases glad tears, tears which wash away the hard lines of sorrow.
I enter the dark prison cells, reminding scarred manhood of what might have been, and pointing forward to good days yet to be.
I come softly into the still, white home of pain, and lips that are too weak to speak just tremble in silent eloquent gratitude.
In a thousand ways I cause the weary to look up into the face of God, and for a little moment forget the things that are small and wretched.
I am the Christmas spirit.
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May the spirit of Christmas live in each Filipino heart this season and may all of you have a peaceful and prosperous New Year!
* * *SHORT BURSTS. For comments or reactions, email firingline@ymail.com or tweet @Side_View. Read current and past issues of this column at http://www.thephilbiznews.com