This year’s Christmas Eve was quite different from last year’s for I had spent the night together with my family at home instead of having it within the walls of the hospital. It was refreshing to have with me my family at home, anticipating as the child was to be born…

I was given a task, which I accepted to be a blessing from God, to read a verse for the 9th mass symbolizing the end of advent. It was the 9th star to be lit in our village’s chapel. What a remarkable experience! I felt the spirit grow on me… It was a familiar feeling that I held close to my heart. It felt like Christmas.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light
Upon those who lived in a land of gloom, a light has shone 

When I was a kid, Christmas meant more about the given gifts by the elders — parents, uncles, aunties, and other relatives. It meant receiving material things and finding happiness in those objects that were all tangible to the eyes of man. But as we grow older, a new meaning grows to each of us.

For a child is born to us, a son is given us
Upon his shoulder, dominion rests
They name him Wonder-Counselor
God-Hero
Father-Forever
Prince of Peace.

As we grow older, we find happiness not solely on tangible gifts but focus more on matters that make us spiritually content. More than worldly objects are the feeling of happiness, rejoicing; the feeling of nostalgia, of care, of hope, and love. We lurk for feelings that make us feel good. We creep through our broken pieces to find the light… and when a light flickers through cracks, we find our way through it.

I hope and pray that this season brought out the Christmas Spirit that lingers within you.
Happy Holidays, everyone!