Us Filipinos are proud of this:
“Sa Pinas, Sept pa lang, Pasko na.”
Just rediscovered that this is inaccurate.
The “Commercial Holiday Season” starts in September.
Fact: When singing the song “Simbang gabi, simula ng Pasko…” — we do not sing that part that says “Pasko na!” before December 25.
That part is more appropriately sung on the eve of Christmas Day.
Why?
Because the Catholic Christmas starts on December 25.
I didn’t realize it until I read that again.
If a Catholic must celebrate Christmas on Dec 25,
then what of the “Christmas parties” days before Dec 25?
Does it mean all offices and schools around the world celebrate weeks and months in advance?
What is missing here?
Advent.
The Catholic Church declares the 4 weeks before Christmas as a purple season (like in Lent).
We’re not supposed to party before Dec 25.
Oops.
We’re supposed to wait.
Like the virgins with the lamps in Matthew 25, we wait outside the door for the Bridegroom.
Like the servants given the talents in Matthew 25, we wait for the return of the Master.
What to Do in Advent
Wait.
Do penance.
Pray more.
Suffer a little (like in Lent).
And wait even more.
The Simbang Gabi is a great way to do this waiting.
It’s 9 days — representing the 9 months Mary carried Jesus in her womb.
We wait. He’s not yet born.
But we’re waiting.
Pay attention — maybe for the first time — to the readings in Simbang Gabi.
Stop fixating on the homily or the choir.
If you study your Bible, those readings — including the psalms — are all about waiting for the Birth!
SONG
I didn’t know this before:
All Advent songs must be about waiting for Emmanuel.
All Christmas songs must be about the birth of the Christ Child.
We don’t mix them up.
Hence, we sing “Mary’s boy child Jesus Christ…” starting on Christmas Day.
TOO LATE?
Yes, I know this message is too late.
Been sick for a while now…
But you can start in your family now.
Stop partying like it’s Christmas.
It’s not yet.
Start waiting.
ATTEND PARTIES — BUT…
In fact, you can add penance to your parties:
- Attend, but drink water.
- Attend, but eat little.
It’s great for testing discipline —
and maybe this practice will save your high blood and high sugar.
You can start (or resume) the real partying on Dec 24, the eve of Christmas.
This way, you align with the Church.
LET US WAIT,
Jomar Hilario
P.S. What do you think? Let me know your comments via my linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/jomarhilario or [email protected]