Simbang Gabi: Frequently Asked Questions

The Philippines having almost 80% of Catholic Christians has probably the longest celebration of Christmas in the world.

When September 1 strikes, many begin to greet each other with a "Merry Christmas". Malls, radios, and others will also begin to play Christmas songs, of course, Jose Mari Chan's Christmas in Our Hearts tops the playlist.

Houses and other public places will also be decorated with Christmas decorations and many will be busy shopping for gifts.

Sadly, though Filipinos start Christmas early, they automatically end it on December 25.

But it is not in the case of the Church. September is practically part of the Season Ordinary Time, and the liturgical calendar of the Church will begin in the Season of Advent which will be partly the last week of November or the First week of December that will run until December 24.

Officially, Christmas is not just one day in the Church, but a season that begins in the first Vespers of December 24 and will end on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (it is a movable feast so no fixed date but will fall on the latest in January). Other traditional priest extends it until February 2, the 40th day after Christmas day.

But let me get to the topic of this article. In the Western side of the world, their Advent season is continuously celebrated, the 4 weeks, with no singing of the Gloria during Sunday Mass. This is not the case in the Philippines because starting December 16, we begin to sing the Gloria in what we call the Simbang Gabi. It is a special indult given by the Pope that in a Mass of Simbang Gabi, Gloria or Papuri can be sung.

So, I'll now begin discussing the FAQs about the SImbang Gabi commonly and yearly asked by non-Catholics but mind you, some denominational Christian churches already have their own "Simbang Gabi."

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(Here is a picture of the early Filipinos attending the Misa de Gallo at the break of dawn. They are carrying parol as a torch. Later on parol or Christmas lantern will become one distinct Christmas decoration.)

-Why is it called Simbang Gabi when it is done at dawn? Is it in the Bible?

A: Obviously, it is Simbang Gabi because it is still dark. If translated Simbang Gabi is Evening Mass or because it begins mostly at 4 AM is Dawn Mass. Originally, in Spanish time, it is called Misa de Gallo or Mass of the Rooster because in the rural areas especially in the provinces, when the rooster starts to crow it means morning already.

Misa de Gallo is an original Spanish tradition that they brought to the Philippines. Though it started to wane in Spain, the Filipinos preserve this beautiful tradition. That because of the Filipino diaspora of OFWs in different parts of the world, many countries in the Middle East and Europe start to adopt the Simbang Gabi. Recently, the first Simbang Gabi was held in the Vatican presided by none other Pope Francis.

But liturgically, the nine-day Masses of Misa de Gallo is called Misa de Aguinaldo or the Mass in Honor of the Virgin Mary to commemorate the nine months pregnancy of Mary to the Son of God, the greatest gift of all.

Anyway, Misa De Gallo is celebrated on the dawn starting December 16 until December 24. For pastoral reasons, because many are not able to attend the Dawn Mass, the Church adds the Simba sa Gabi or the "anticipated" Simbang Gabi that begins on December 15 until December 23.

So whatever it may be called, the nine-day (novena) Masses are done to honor Jesus, for Him and Him alone.

Yes, it is in the Bible but not literally!

The Simbang Gabi is a wonderful Christian tradition to remember the birth of the Savior, Jesus, (Matthew 1:21, Luke 1:31), the Emmanuel (Matthew 1:23, Isaiah 7:14).

Remember that attending Mass, the highest form of worship, and praying has no limits on where to celebrate or when. Even Jesus prayed, everywhere and anytime. "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed" (Mark 1:35). See, Jesus prayed early morning, that is DAWN!

Those who attend the Misa De Gallo or Simbang Gabi wake up early to go to the Church, "the house of prayer" (Matthew 21:13). One of then Filipino Christmas songs goes like this, "Kampana ng Simbahan ay nanggigising na at waring nagsasabi na tayo'y magsimba. Gumising at magbangon tayo'y magsilakad at masiglang tunguhin ang ating Simbahan." The bells are started to ring, the sign that we need to rise up and go to Church.

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When you love someone, you will do everything, sacrifice everything. Jesus sacrificed himself for us because he loves us. Jesus, the Son of God, the reason for the Christmas season, came down from heaven and became a man like us.

Here are some reasons why we attend the Simbang Gabi. Remember, we don't complete the 9 days because our wish will come true. It is just a bonus if God will grant us our wishes and prayers. But this is just a minor reason.

***How much sacrifice is waking up early for nine days in the chilly morning just to attend the Simbang Gabi to remember His birth and to thank the Father?

I just can't understand this person who questions every tradition that Catholics do. How can't they just respect this act of love that we do for God?

I hope this article helps you prepare for Simbang Gabi and the Christmas season.

Advance Merry Christmas to all! May you have a peaceful and joyous celebration.

#Faith #SimbangGabi #Filipinos #Catholics #Christmas