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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Peace is the gift of Christmas

Peace is the gift of Christmas

THERE IS HOPE!

Published Dec 23, 2023 04:00 pm

GUEST COLUMNIST

GODDES HOPE.jpg

By GODDES HOPE O. LIBIRAN

No matter how times have been changing so fast, Christmas will always be a special season for relishing and remembering beautiful moments with family and friends. It's that one time in the year when we can take a break and catch up with our loved ones.


Never mind if it means braving traffic to get from one reunion to the next, going through malls or online in search of the perfect present, and spending hours (sometimes, days) just prepping a festive meal to be shared and enjoyed by all.


Yes, in reality, the season comes with its own levels of stress. But through the years and the collective uncertain time we've all gone through—the pandemic, in particular—we've learned to appreciate the simple but important things in life.


My Christmas celebrations have been modest. My family and I usually spend it in our home in Pampanga, which by the way, is considered the Christmas capital of the Philippines.
We start with doing our Christmas Eve prayer and noche buena. Then on Christmas day, we spend it with a nice brunch, gift-giving, and just staying chill the whole day. Or, we go out or travel. The essential thing here is whether we spend or splurge a bit in our celebration, we're together as family.


While the pace maybe slowing down in time for the holiday break (office Christmas parties achieved, thank you!), it's also good to take stock of the year that we had and be thankful for its blessings. The connections that we have with people are among the gifts we cherish this season. Christmas, after all, goes beyond receiving and giving the material things. The real presents are the love, peace, and the spirit of unity we share with each other. After all, I agree that the best things (and gifts) in life are free.


Too often, our lack of peace, tolerance,our misunderstandings, and conflicts are the result of disrespect for others. We sink into our comfort zone and refuse to hear their opinions and beliefs. Truth be told, not addressing the difficult conversations will only lead us to more resentments and worse, our own emotional and mental implosion.


But we likewise realize we can't forever be in isolation mode, which is what we did in quarantine. We're all interconnected and whatever actions we make will have an impact on other people. Christmas moves us to celebrate the coming of the Messiah, who has taught us kindness and tolerance for we are all part of one Christian family.


As the Scripture says in 2 Corinthians 13:11: "Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you."


Next year brings me so many things to look forward to—with gratitude to and faith in our good Creator, of course. On the home front, I'm thrilled to work on the goals we've set as a family and for our child.  

 
I'm also anticipating the many projects of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) that will be seeing fruition, this includes full digitalization of our e-governance system; the rightsizing program that will uphold democracy and improve on superfluous bureaucratic procedures. Of course with the leadership of Sec. Mina Pangandaman, I know that these, and many more, will come into fruition. I really look forward to our DBM show, "Usapang Budget Natin," which will air on Radyo Pilipinas. The show promises to be entertaining, but very informative as it will make all the things you've always wanted to know about budgets—from personal finance to national economics—accessible in easy-to-digest pieces. I promise you, it will be anything but boring!


Beautiful things await our country, for sure. I pray that we may all keep the hope and faith to be good citizens, continuing to do our duty to our God-given motherland. I also extend my prayer to our leaders, especially to our dear President BBM and his Cabinet members for good health and wisdom in working towards the upliftment of every Filipino's lives.
We definitely can't solve the problems of this world. But at least we can live out the priceless gifts that the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ brings—faith, hope, and peace—and be a reminder to each other of His goodness and love. 


A blessed Christmas to all.
 

 

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