Christmas in Our Hearts

The universality of celebrating the most special season of the year is upon us once more. And amid all the suffering and challenges that we face, it is as if even the thought of this season magically leaves the burden from our minds and transports us to an extraordinary place...the birth of Christ and the hope that times will be better, and that there is someone always there for us to extend a helping hand, whenever we feel downtrodden. This feeling of hope and expectation lies supreme from the humblest dwelling to the most lavish mansion. All the festivities of the season-Simbang Gabi and Aguinaldo masses, Christmas parties, gift-giving- are all manifestations of how we value our belief in the “reason for the season.”

From the most simple to the most lavish gifts we shower on our loved ones, we express our undying love for one another once more. And more importantly, the realization that the child in the manger is the best thing that happened to humankind and that our salvation resides in the humble manager. When Gina Lopez stated in her last interview before her demise, “The secret of life is love,” she reminded us of the truth that has somehow eluded us in our frantic search for wealth, fame, and everything that this world offers. Instead of finding this key to life, we were led astray by the world’s seductions.

And so, as we greet one another in whatever ways this particular season, I wish you all to find that key we call love... the last vanguard of human civilization.

TRIVIA:

On my behalf and that of my family, we wish to extend our most sincere condolences and prayers to the family of the late Tony Concepcion, a very good friend of the family. He was among the chartered members of the Rotary Club of Naga East.

We also thank those who condoled with us and extended their prayers for the demise of my brother Brigadier General Ernesto K. Maristela, who was once the Chief of the Highway Patrol Group. He was responsible for escorting the image of the Sto Nino from Cebu to its present site in Naga, to be the second titular of the Parish of the Immaculate Conception.

Greetings to our December birthday celebrations in the family, my daughter Pinky and my niece Samantha Noelle Maristela Aquino.

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:

“I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year.” – Charles Dickens

FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE:

“And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” - Luke 2:12