Lenten Christmas

Though it’s the Christmas season, I can’t help but also think (& feel) that it’s the Lenten season now. Whenever I think of Christ’s birth, I also remember His death. We can not celebrate one and neglect the other. His birth and death embody the Father’s unconditional love for us sinners.

That was my Facebook status yesterday.

For the past days I’ve been in various seasonal merriment. I admit I don’t like parties, but I don’t hate attending one. I am just so.. passive when it comes to things like that. Anyway…

Sometimes, in the midst of the festive celebration, people forget, have taken for granted, and/or compromise the meaning of Christmas (no, I don’t think it’s because of the usage of Xmas. Go and research about it..). I have encountered lots of messages about the real Reason of this season. We know right: it’s the Lord Jesus. But people also forget

free gift

 

Very nice Mikey.. you did it again! :D

 

PAROL: from simple to grand designs and forms

The video above sums up how we Filipinos celebrate and enjoy the holidays. Christmas in the Philippines is like no other. We’re very unique in observing and celebrating it, like we know it’s already Christmastime when September has come (as the start of “ber” months); the parol (Pinoy lantern) we hang; the puto bumbong and bibingka being sold outside the churches during Simbang Gabi; the children singing carols nights before 25; the kids who go to their ninong’s and ninang’s houses (godfather and godmother) to collect their pamasko or aguinaldo, either in gift or monetary form (now I’m old enough to receive one. Well it still depends..!); and