"Whether near or far, the season keeps everyone near and dear"

"Whether near or far, the season keeps everyone near and dear"

(A Christmas message)

However distant a Filipino from one's homeland, whether working abroad or staying overnight in their offices meeting demands, it will always thinks about the warmth of one's own home, and of a smile of a loved one. 

That from the driver whose long hours of work trying to bring its goods from one place to another, to the soldier whose body hardened by battle end appraised by its colleagues because of its valour, is not embarrassed  that these people end "turning soft" - especially when that occasion includes Christmas, and wherever there are friends, and most important of all, family.

Quite usual isn't it? Especially that even in a time when poverty strikens, there's still a time for joy, that even having a simplest food, or acquiring a simplest gift, these is enough to satisfy one's heart, that even without a Christmas tree, or any adornment, still, that occasion called Christmas tends to be a time for really-really get together.

To begin this post this writer saidth to thee, that despite all the turmoils, time comes that love truly wins and truth be prevails; that no matter what hate or slander be thrown upon, every heart, every conscience, drive each and everyone to love and accept truth. And through this season, it is an invitation for all to share in the grace of the Almighty. Whether near or far, everyone heeds this call with the readiness to impart God's love and blessing to others, and to overcome challenges that the world faces today with work, prayer, and solidarity. 

And since Christmas is at first a Christian occasion commemorating Christ's birth, let that occasion make faith grow stronger in working towards freedom, justice, reconciliation, and peace; and to guide one another further in its intended direction.

Sounds stately isn't it? And in speaking of justice, that amidst seeing injustices, of seeing bloodshed, of seeing innocents killed, or deemed as collateral damages, this writer would say that there are those who will seek truth from facts, and no matter how those from high trying to deny, or wash their hands in front of those who demand accountability, again, truth will prevail, and in truth those who are accountable should face the consequences. For sure their consciences been knocking their minds and hearts through and through only to be overcome by their own egoes thinking that the latter has its higher purpose, that their duties worth than their morals.

A wireless bridging 

Since this post indirectly expresses that this season focuses much on the family what more that idealising a caring and sharing community, for sure everyone knows that each family did their part especially those whose loved ones worked far from their homes, that their children trying to be upright in the eyes of many through good conduct and better grades, and that parents do their share keeping the home safe and well stock with the needs; and just as each Christmas celebration in a healthy and hardworking family this resounds throughout the entire people, that like this statement it states that each and every concerned has promised that will not forget those who cannot celebrate Christmas with their loved ones.

And for sure every compatriot, whether in the middle of an open sea or in a known foreign city celebrates Christmas with their friend, compatriot or foreign, and has a time talking to their loved ones promising gifts if not giving some attention no matter how distant they are- thanks to Skype or Facebook as one may say.


Remembering the departed

Perhaps, one last thing everyone should not want to forget in this contemplative hour: that  since memories will rekindle as one faces some empty chairs during a feast, or by listening Christmas carols and seeing another enjoying with one's company, thus deemed deniable, Christmas is also a time to invite those who are distant, especially those who are already gone to be one's guest. That they should be with each and every family in spirit, not as pale ghosts, but all in their youthful appearances.
Sounds halloweenish isn't it? But families will always remember those who are truly meant in their hearts, and in their memories they would say that no matter where they are their spiritual presence in this occasion is as same as those who just left in their works far from home. For sure Christ, the star of this season, tells about eternal life, and time comes that they'll be with their loved ones, in their unending grace and youth, filling the love that this season tells.


Facing new commitments and challenges

And in this coming year, for sure everyone will all face their ages: that some are sooner, others are later. That coming year will bring each and everyone much labor and worry, more tasks and prospects, more successes and possible shortcomings; and as for those whose loved ones are  departed, no matter how mortally "gone" they are, will remain eternally young inspirations, if not heroes who look over one's shoulders in one's battle and work, who rejoice in every shining eyes be it in this festivity or a simple respite- for they, too, no matter how they are deemed dead, are also seeds for a country's future, and it is for each and everyone to ensure that their seed grows unto the harvest, for they will always return to everyone a fulfillment of hope. 

Sorry for the words, for knowing that each and everyone remembers their departed, or feeling old as another year comes, this significant occasion like Christmas, aside from a usual season of feasting, sharing, and giving,  marks a time to rekindle memories, to cherish those who live, to remember the ones departed, and to prepare for another year which meant another duties and responsibilities.

Again, season's greetings.