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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Christmas Eve: The tradition of family

Christmas Eve: The tradition of family

Published Dec 23, 2023 04:01 pm

E CARTOON DEC 24, 2023 (1).jpg

Tonight, the world pauses for Christmas Eve.
 

In anticipation of Christmas Day, the gathering of families and friends continue the many traditions to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Tonight, the present generation continues the rituals of the past that will shape the way the future generation will celebrate this holy night when Jesus Christ was born. 


The mood of celebration reaches its peak on Christmas Eve, with the major part of tradition being fulfilled by families, each one with a story on how he or she arranged schedules to come home. Those stories further strengthen the commitment for each family member to pause, get away from careers, jobs or business ventures, to sit around the dinner table and usher in the celebration of Christmas Day.


After the frenzy of holiday rituals – gift-giving, parties, food preparation, and meeting work deadlines to close the year – it is time to pause for many hours to appreciate and be thankful for what we have, most of that in front of us on Christmas Eve – our family.  One of life’s great blessings is to belong to a family. 


Even the recent pandemic that restricted gatherings and travel did not stop family gatherings on Christmas Eve. With technology, families met through zoom and other apps that made possible virtual reunions and dinners to keep tradition going.


Many traditions are carried on today, starting with the food preparation of heritage recipes that will bring memories of grandparents into the conversations.  Santa Claus will visit through the gifts of family and friends.  Christmas carols will be sang in many languages, the melodies of “Joy to the World” and “Silent Night, Holy Night”  bringing feelings of joy and nostalgia.


These traditions are important to society.  It nurtures the bond of families. It gives children the feeling of security to grow up as part of a family. And most of all, it continues to spread the real meaning of Christmas – the Son of God was born to save man.


“They were in Bethlehem when the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in clothes and laid him in the manger because there was no place for them in the living room.  There were shepherds camping in the countryside, keeping watch over their flocks by night.  Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared to them, with the Glory of the Lord shining around them. As they were terrified, the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid; I am here to give you good news, great joy for all the people.  Today, a Savior has been born to you in David’s town; He is the Messiah and the Lord.”


Midnight masses are held to commemorate the first Christmas Eve as described in Luke 2: 6-11.


Truly, that scene deserves a long pause to reflect on one’s blessings, and to be grateful for them.


May the joy of Christmas Eve be in your home and linger for a long time!
 

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