Hope Rekindled: From Darkness to the Dawn of Emmanuel

St. Joseph Parish (Patron Saint of Workers), Sasa, Davao City — Advent is the start of the church calendar year. Every Sunday, one candle is lit, representing different values. On the first Sunday of Advent, which falls on November 30, 2025, the first candle, which represents “Hope”, was lit. The second, third and fourth candles, which represents “Peace”, “Joy” and “Love”, respectively, will be lighted on the succeeding weeks.

Advent is a time of preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ birth, a miniature Lent observed as a penitential season with an unusual rigor. This rigor is further enhanced by the joyful anticipation of Jesus’ birth during Advent. A wreath means God’s infinite love, and green leaves represent eternal life brought by Jesus.

In St. Joseph Parish the launching of the “Pundok Banay Advent Celebration” (PBAC) was held on November 29, 2025, at 6:00 am Mass presided by Rev. Fr. Roy Mejias. It was attended by PSKs, PSLs, and Treasurers from 43 GKKs belonging to St. Joseph with their Advent Wreaths, Ritos, and boxes (donation box intended for our brothers and sisters in need) blessed during the mass.

Likewise, the launching of PBAC was held at the GKK level to deepen reflection on preparation and hopeful waiting for the coming of Jesus Christ through prayer in every family of Pundok Banay of the GKKs, and to give to those in need. Celebrating Advent also means living it by practicing generosity through love and care for our neighbors as we join with Jesus in bringing peace to the Earth.

No matter what difficulties and heavy burdens we carry, let us not lose hope because Jesus is with us to ease our burden.

Hope empowers people to endure, to act righteously, and to serve others as a sign of the reparation that will come through Jesus.

Facing the Darkness with Strong Hope (Isaiah 8:5-17).

(By Emy D. Gamorot)