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! 