search

Friday, December 13, 2013

USPians light Christmas 2013 with courage and love

WE WILL RISE AGAIN, NO TO BLEAK CHRISTMAS
by
DR. BRYANT C. ACAR


Philippines in the last quarter of the year have experienced misfortunes, cataclysms, debacles and tragedies. When Janet Napoles, the alleged mastermind of the pork barrel fund scam came to the scene, we question trust and confidence over our lawmakers and the government. When the earthquake grounded Bohol and Cebu, thousands of people were devastated. And recently, when the typhoon Yolanda crashed the Visayas region, thousands if not millions of people were displaced and became homeless. 

 
And so, how in the world, are we going to celebrate Christmas amidst all these miseries? The people are angry and hungry.

Some fanatics say that the world will end soon; others are spreading the word that God is punishing us for our fixation on the RH Bill, and our temerity to unwittingly encourage sins. Some false prophets predict that the flood of Noah’s time is coming again; that there shall be allegedly a repeat of Sodom and Gomorrah. But the spirit of the Filipinos will never yield to all these rumors of disasters and calamities. Whatever happens, we shall have our ‘’Christmas tree lighted, simbang gabi and noche buena’’, whether it is the best or the worst of times. To us Filipinos, Christmas is really in our hearts. It’s a message both timeless and universal — no matter what God you pray to, or if you pray to none at all.”



Today we are gathered once again to fulfill our tradition: the lighting of the USPF Christmas Tree. For more than 10 years as practice, our Christmas tree stood as a beacon of light and a promise during the holiday season.  During times of peace and prosperity, challenge and change, we have gathered around our Christmas tree to kick off the holiday season and give thanks for everything that makes this time of the year so magical. The tree is a symbol of hope and inspiration that amidst all trials and tribulations felt individually, by our nation or the whole world, the Christmas tree is a reminder that God is with us and lives amongst us. Omagio (2005) said Christmas means Christ is in the mass which simply means God is with us. This is a good way of saying that you should see God among others. What if God is one of us? Perhaps that will change our dealings with one another.  Countless of heroism were foretold emerging amidst the devastation of Yolanda. You see people everywhere doing their share to help and to send help to the victims. Both local and foreigners have joined hands to offer something. For those who have extended their help, you just made the lives of our brothers and sisters in the Visayas comfortable even for a day and you made them feel that they are not alone in this tragic battle. For those who still plan to help and give, God will bless you a thousand fold. Let this be our mantra, you want to treat people exactly the way you want to be treated.  For the USPF volunteers, for those teachers and students who spared a piece of what they have and walked out of their comfort zones and made humbling sacrifices for the spirit of giving, USPF is so proud of you!




We will always find a way amidst all sorrows, all pains and all poverty. The genuine Christians always have some hopes in their hearts, even in these trying times. We are a brave people, resilient, persevering, with very high levels of tolerance for pains and troubles.  We shall bury our dead, say a little prayer, mourn for our loss, and hope for better days to come. We shall celebrate Christmas anywhere and regardless of circumstances. Our minds are programmed to face disasters with both smiles and tears. We are stout-hearted men and women ready to face Christmas and New Year, come quake or high water. And this year, we give a special measure of gratitude for Sir Jun Jereza, our big man who will be remembered of his high spirit and happy disposition. (Thank you, Ma’am Odette and Sir Jun for the early Christmas gift).   In his life, he blessed us with tremendous grace and unbelievable courage.  And we are all privileged to live in an institution touched by his goodness.

It is my great pride and honor to welcome you in this Christmas lighting ceremony and sincerely I hope that this Christmas will bring you the message, that , in good times and bad times, Christmas will always be the season of hope. Surely we don’t need a lavish Christmas this year. Where all companies and schools renounced their Christmas parties to donate the intended budget for those who need it most, for sure a simple food on the table together with the bond of the family will give a whole new meaning of the merriest Christmas for all of us.

Lastly, don’t let this Christmas come to pass without letting the people you love know how much you care for them, or else the moment will simply pass you by.

SHED LIGHT, GIVE LIGHT, BE THE LIGHT TO SOMEONE THIS CHRISTMAS!