19 days to go, it's Christmas time. This season is very special for all Christians in the Philippines and all over the world. A time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, it's a season of love, where the family gets together, eats together, and giving gifts. Well, literally according to the scripture Jesus was born in a cold-weather time, not exactly December 25, but then it is the date that we used to celebrate. But what I am telling you is the Christmas in New normal.
It is because last week there's someone who came into our house from the office of the Mayor to inform us that during the celebration of Christmas party there are new sets of regulations to follow or else we will be receiving a memo from their office. I felt a little bit of sadness when I heard it, here is the New normal for Christmas party.
No more exchanging gifts.
From the time of my existence, this thing is never happening, this is all we were waiting for during Christmas. To receive gifts and to give is a traditional way of celebration by Filipinos. They said that it is to avoid the spread of Coronavirus disease. On the other hand, there is an advantage with this, because we can spend less, the budget for gifts is canceled.
We can celebrate but we cannot eat together or no more foods on the table. They don't allow us to get while we gather in one place together. Oh, it's another cost-cutting.No more 'Lechon' in the table, no more spaghetti, and other delicious foods. Sad face, I say.
They don't allow us to invite visitors from another place to come to our celebration. Again, to prevent more spreading viruses.
They don't allow the kids to join the Christmas party, 12 years old and below. Kids will miss this season.
No more Christmas caroling
We can't hear singing in the streets of children who sing Christmas songs.
I despite all the rules and regulations to follow, Christmas is still going on. The essence of celebrating Christmas is within our hearts, it is not the outward ways that we do. It is the fact that Jesus is born for us and he is within us. Maybe it's a time to be quiet and ponder what God has done in our lives. For me, it's God's direction to Focus on ME, Focus on him. He alone is the one we can count on.
Christmas party-party-foods-gifts-mass(people)=JESUS
I realized that I need to embrace the fact, not to go against the authorities. They are not against to worship God, they just want to implement precautions to make us stay safe.
Christmas party in the new normal
Virtual or zoom Christmas party
It is with the help of an internet connection. Everything is possible with modern technologies, though we don't have a physical attachment what matters is that we can still connect.
Virtual giveaways
Instead of a mug or a t-shirt for giveaways, we can use virtual gifts or vouchers
Online Christmas games
It can be also fun through online Christmas games, like guessing game anything applicable in media.
This pandemic creates a big change in our life, whether in our living or our social life. But we don't need to complicate things to make our life in trouble. I think we need to adopt the new normal, this is it?
I think what's matters is the essence of Christmas of being a believer of Jesus. It's a season of love and showing compassion to our fellow men. Even if it not Christmas by extending our helping hands to the needy is what gives meaning to it. We will live our daily life with the essence of showing charity or love for everyone to make this world a better place to live.
This Christmas if we have much we can extend our hand to those who are in hunger and going through pain in life because the more we focus and see the pain of others the more we heal as well.
That's what Jesus did, he blessed us so much. And there's no reason that we will not share what we have.
Prayer for those who suffer the virus, those who are still in the hospitals, the front liners, and essentials workers who are still standing and continue to serve the people.
Dear God almighty, we bow down before you and lift your name. Lord you know how we feel today, you know our desire, but above all, you are all-knowing God. We pray for all the people who suffer, those who struggle, those who are in pain, may you extend your healing hand and give them comfort this day. Have mercy on us, and gives us peace and joy. May you blessed the world with your amazing grace. Amen.
SALUTE to all of you! Thank you so much for your sacrifices and for giving your life to all of us. You are the hero in this season of crisis.
Christmas is in our hearts, whatever we may have been, He is alive within. His faithfulness and lovingkindness, Praise his name.
Daghang Salamat!
Photos from Unsplash.
Even though there is a pandemic, we will still be having exchanging gifts from my family.