A Christmas Wish

The long wait is about to be over. In 48 hours, the Prince of Peace will be with us in this divided and suffering world. At this point, I am ready to bring along my list in paying Him a visit to the manger.

Belen (Nativity Scene) for us Filipinos is something we can connect to. Everyday, what happened in the Manger 2,000 years ago still happens in our world today.

From the Scriptures we read that there was persecution when all first-born were mandated to be murdered and thus, the couple escaped to Egypt. There was apathy. Doors were not opened for the pregnant Mary and Joseph and thus when Mary was due, they sought shelter to a place where animals lived.

Persecution and apathy in all of their evil forms are still around us which may not be  exactly the same as those in Biblical times but right here in the Philippines, one does not need a college degree to conclude that the poor, the voiceless, the weak and the underprivileged are persecuted by the rich, the powerful and privileged. Where is social justice for majority of Filipinos? I always say that life does not end here and when the day comes when the oppressor and the oppressed are together before an incorruptible judge when no vestige of power and wealth are taken into consideration, those who laugh now will cry and those who sob will find comfort and peace.

This Christmas . . . . (not in order)

1. May there be a lasting peace in Mindanao where Filipinos of all faith can freely move and exercise religion freely.

2. May the New People’s Army and the Philippine government come to a peaceful term and work together for the common grounds they both support.

3. Let all the killings stop. A lot of lives, innocent included, have been lost and let us remember that we are brothers and sisters under one nation.

4. Hopefully, graft and corruption die a natural death not later but sooner.

5. May our government officials put forth the needs and welfare of their constituents to the fore instead of their personal interests.

6. May there be peace in the Middle East.

7. May rich countries find comfort in helping the less fortunate.

8. May freedom of religion be respected and exercised especially in the Middle East.

9. May international disputes be resolved peacefully and not through the use of force.

10. End abortion, euthanasia and stem cell research.

11. May there be no same sex marriage, abortion and divorce in our country.

12. May the true spirit of Christmas be restored instead of being commercialized.

13. May human dignity be always respected from conception to natural death.

14.  May our country move forward to economic prosperity and peace.

15. May good governance be effected while citizens do their share in nation-building.

16. May God continue to shine His face upon us and be merciful to us all.

You can add your wishes. Have a blessed Christmas. For the oppressed and victims of social injustices, the Savior is about to come. Be ready with what you want to tell Him this 25th. He listens.

May peace be in our hearts and let us recognize the face of Christ in our midst. -30-