A long Advent

We sometimes joke here at the novitiate that Advent is three months long in the Philippines. By the beginning of October there are signs that Christmas is coming, with decorations starting to be put up, and Christmas music being heard with ever greater frequency around the place. As the months go on, there is a growing sense of excitement and joy at the coming celebration.

But just as you might think that the buying of gifts and food for Christmas might be reaching a frenzy of activity, the real reason for Christmas is brought strongly into focus. On December 16^th, a novena of Masses, known as the Misa de Gallo or the Simbang Gabi begins. For nine days there are Masses at about 4.30 each morning which huge numbers of people attend.  These Masses are great experiences of faith, and show that waiting with Mary and preparing to welcome Christ into their lives, is what everyone understands as the real significance of Christmas.

The most important symbol of Christmas in the Philippines is the star. They are seen everywhere as Advent progresses and are decorated with all sorts of beautiful designs. Like the novena of Masses, the star also points to the centrality of Christ at Christmas time. We here at the novitiate have endeavoured to prepare well for Christmas, by keeping our eyes focused on the coming of Jesus, and waiting in faith as Mary did.

Our prayer is that Christ will be born in your hearts again this Christmas, and that he will bring you peace and joy in the coming year. Merry Christmas !