Sustaining the family hearth

Christmas is indeed a Family get-together feast–a big “family day” with relatives joining in from near and far. Balikbayans or those living far within the country come home to celebrate Christmas with their families. The family host patiently crafts the scenario that will satisfy the pleasure of the guests—from decorating to eating and gift-giving with singing and dancing. Lots of story-telling especially colored with humor is meant to amuse and share the joy of Christ’s birth with everyone. Credit is given to parents and grandparents who have maintained the meaning of Christmas as Jesus’ birthday, and remembering to share gifts with our less fortunate brothers and sisters in the larger family of God. Putting God first, the Catholic family faithfully participates in the Advent-Christmas liturgical celebrations, highlighted by the nine-day dawn masses, Misa de Gallo.

It is worthwhile to look at the model Holy Family in Bethlehem and imitate their simplicity and constant openness to the will of the Father. This humble obedience was the divine perspective that inspired their devoted service to one another and to the community and society they belonged to. They remained authentic followers of the temple law and mutually cooperated to fulfill the duties required of their varied roles in life according to the Jewish culture. Though there is barely anything written about the Holy Family, we can imagine the beauty of their relationships in the ordinary events that transpired. The kept the hearth flame burning by being together in common family practices, we may surmise in their family prayer, meals, cultural celebrations, and social visits.

How Mary and Joseph must have pondered and shared on the messages of the angel to them about Jesus the Emmanuel (cf. Mt 1:23, Lk 1:30-35). Among our Christian families, may there be set times for prayer and Bible reading/faith sharing that could be integrated with events of significance, probably leading to peaceful dialogue and reconciliation, and works of charity or outreach activities in the neighbourhood. These acts of selfless generosity will certainly enhance the family spirit and the celebration of Christmas as the joyful feast of our salvation. Thanksgiving soars in our hearts, as we recall the Christmas III Preface: “Your eternal word has taken upon himself our human weakness, giving our mortal nature immortal value. So marvelous is this oneness between God and man that in Christ man restores to man the gift of everlasting life.” A Joyous Family Christmas to all!