It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!   Yes, the weather has given us crisp and cool days that remind us of the holidays!  But, let us remind ourselves that we, indeed, live in “paradise” as Tucson weather at this time gives us a “glimpse” of how comfortable heaven may be.   That is…until the “dry heat” comes back months from now and we are also reminded of what eternity would be if we don’t make it to heaven!  Our choice!

So, what is the season of ADVENT?  It is a time for expectantly waiting for the birth (read: Advent, coming) of our Lord.  It is a time of great faith and love in the knowledge that our SALVATION is at hand.  

What changes?  PURPLE is now the Liturgical Color – a color that was once reserved only for KINGS.  The “GLORIA” and “ALLELUIA” are now omitted at masses.  These are only prayed during solemnities during the Advent Season and resumes at Christmas.  

Let us express ourselves openly about our appreciation and affection to the One who gave us His life so that we may have ours!

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Christmas has always been associated with “gift giving and receiving”.  Millions, perhaps even billions, of dollars are being spent by retailers to give emphasis to spending heavily for gifts.  

Admittedly, this brings so much joy – especially when the gifts are truly needed.  However, the greatest gift there is – we have already received -  LIFE!  

Father's note Continues on top of the next column 

 

This brings us the joy of being with family and friends that bring an opportunity to share love and joy.  More often, this is the truth that is overshadowed by what we know as “crass commercialism”.  

As we begin the Season of Advent, let us begin by giving thanks for the gift of OUR life and that which is given to those we love.  Believe me when I say, “There is not enough wealth in the world that can replace the LOVE of family and friends.”

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Many years ago, my family and I would laugh about how much weight we gain at Christmas after attending one party after another.  After a while, it had become ridiculous that I felt something needs to be done.  

My neighborhood in Manila was a mixture of some well-to-do families and those who simply have nothing.  I realized that it is during the Christmas season that the economic differences were greatly felt – some had so much money, food, and gifts, and others have none.  

So, at one family party, I “victimized” my more well-to-do cousins by “telling them” how much money to give me for a particular charity – to deliver a simple Christmas meal to the homeless in my neighborhood.  And so it started!  At one point, I ordered up to 100 whole roasted chickens, several pounds of packed rice, Orange soda (at least it had the semblance of being healthy), and some sweet breads. 

On Christmas Day, I would load these up in my car and drive around handing them out to families.  To this day, I cherish the memories that, for a few years, a small gesture like that would have “saved Christmas” for them.  What is etched in my memory are the relieved faces of the parents who were so grateful that they wouldn’t go hungry at Christmas.   

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