C M Y K

Official Publication of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Candles, Jaro, Iloilo City Tel. Nos. 320-9505 & 329-1625 website: www.ourladyofcandlesnationalshrine.com email:jarocathedral@yahoo.com.ph

December 25, 2013

Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord

Vol. XXI No. 110

C M Y K

KAUPOD GID MAN BALA NATON ANG DIOS?

Emmanuel, Source of Our Hope

T
CHRISTMAS MESSAGES
Ginatamyaw ko ang tanan sang Malipayon nga Paskwa kag Mahamungaya-on nga Bag-ong Tuig. Ang aton selebrasyon sang Paskwa nagapahanumdum sa aton sang pagkari ni Jesus sa aton tunga bilang tawo agud nga kita maluwas. Bangud sini, ang panahon sang Paskwa panahon sang pagpasalamat sa Dios sa bugay sang iya Anak nga si Kristo kag sang tanan man nga mga bugay nga aton nabatun. Ti-on man ini sang paglaum, nga ang Dios padayon nga naga-upod sa aton bisan pa sa ti-on sang pagtilaw kag kabudlayan. Pinasahi ini nga Paskwa sa aton tanan nga mga Pilipino bangud sang kalamidad nga aton na eksperyensyahan: ang linog sa Bohol kag ang bagyo nga Yolanda nga naghalit sa aton diri sa Visayas, Ilabi na gid sa Leyte, Samar, kag diri man sa aton sa Panay. Ini nga mga trahedya nagdala sang kasubo kag pagkadula sang paglaum sang mga utod naton nga naapektuhan gid: naguba ang ila balay, wala na sila sang palangabuhi-an kag napatay ukon nadula ang pila ka miembro sang ila pamilya. Ini nga masubo nga trahedya nagtulod sa aton nga mga Pilipino kag mga utod naton sa iban nga pungsod nga magtingub sa pagbulig sa mga naapektuhan. Ini nga pagkabalaka naton sa mga naapektuhan sang kalamidad, isa ka pagpakita sang kahulugan sang Paskwa: ang pagbulig sa mga nagakinahanglan, katulad sang pagbulig sang Dios sa aton nga kita maluwas gikan sa sala sa pagpadala niya kay Kristo. Padayon pa sa gihapon ang pag-abut sang mga bulig sa mga utod naton nga na apektuhan sang kalamidad, gani padayon sa gihapon ang Paskwa bisan pa sa mga lugar nga naapektuhan sang kalamidad. Padayon ang Paskwa bangud padayon nga nagaluntad ang pagkabalaka, paghigugma kag pagbuligay. Kabay pa nga sa sini nga Paskwa mabun-ag sa aton tunga si Kristo bangud ang kada isa nagahigugma, nagapa-ubos kag nagakabalaka! Padayon ang Paskwa! Padayon nga si Kristo nagaupod sa aton tanan! Isa ka malipayon nga panamyaw sang Merry Christmas para sa inyo tanan! Emmanuel! Ang Dios kaupod naton! Matuod gid nga sugod karon ang Ginuo indi na malayo sa aton. Nagkari Sia sa kalibutan kag malapit Sia sa aton. Ang mga pulong sang nabanhaw nga Kristo nga Iya ginsiling sa Iya mga sumolunod, Iya man ginapatungod sa aton: Tan-awa, nagaupod ako sa inyo tubtob sa katapusan sang panahon (Mt. 28:20). Kadamuan sa aton nga nagakabuhi diri sa kalibutan malayo sa kay Kristo Jesus, ang Dios nga nangin tawo kag nagapuyo upod sa aton. Madamo kita sing pilosopiya, lainlain kita sing ideyolohiya, kag abanse ang aton teknolohiya. Kon ano ang nadangatan sang kinaalam sang tawo amo man ina kalayo sang iya distansya sa Dios. Amo ini nga mga butang ang nagabutong sa aton palayo sa pasungan sang Belen. Sa masunsun, ang Dios pa ang nagatulod sa aton ukon nagaagda sa aton agod matukiban naton ang dalan pakadto sa Iya. May isa nga nagasiling, Christmas is not just about the coming of Christ to Bethlehem, but about the coming of Christ to me, and about my going out to others. Si Atanasio sang Alejandria nagsiling, Nahimo Sia nga pareho sa aton, agod nga iya kita himuon nga pareho sa Iya. Gani, ang akon Christmas wish kag message amo ini: Kabay pa nga sa tagsa ka pag-abot kag paglipas sang Paskwa sang Pagkatawo, makita kita nga amat-amat naga pareho sa Iya, nga sa sini nga panahon nangin isa ka bata, tungod sa aton: mas simple, mas mapainubuson, mas mapinalanggaon, mas mapailubon, mas malipayon kag mas puno sang Dios. Merry Christmas!

Fr. Nathaniel G. Gentizon

he havoc wrought by the super typhoon Yolanda caused many people to doubt the existence of God. Many could not understand the reason behind their suffering and agony. Why did He not prevent the super typhoon from destroying His own creation? Where is He? Did He abandon us? Kaupod gid man bala naton ang Dios? God did not cause evil to happen in our lives. A lot of misfortunes and mistakes that happen to us are partly caused by our own indiscretions. God always wills what is good for us. It is because of our own miscalculations and deaf ear to Gods whisper through the Holy Spirit that we mostly commit mistakes. Thus, we suffer. But the good news is this: God became man to be one with us! Indeed, amidst these troublesome moments, His face radiated through the benevolent people who shared their time, talent and treasure to help typhoon Yolanda survivors. It takes eyes of faith for one to

see the hidden presence of God actively and mysteriously working during these difficult and challenging situations. Bea Rose Santiago, Miss International 2013 winner, eloquently said these words during the interview portion: The whole world saw how my country, the Philippines, suffered. The agony of my people was felt. But one by one, country to country, came to help. I want to thank all the nations who helped my country. In our darkest hours, you have opened my eyes and heart on how important it is if we all support each other. If I become Miss International, I will uphold international camaraderie to sustain the spirit of sympathy and to continually share the message of hope. I believe that whatever calamity may come to us, as long as we have each other, there will be hope. While it is true that for as long as we have each other there will be hope, I also believe that for as long as we have God, we can continue to hope! Our Holy Father affirms, the birth of Jesus is a celebration of trust and hope, which

overcomes uncertainty and pessimism. And the reason for our hope is this: God is with us, and still trusts in us! He comes to live with mankind, he chooses to dwell on earth in order to stay with man, and to be found there where man passes his days in joy or in pain. Therefore, earth is no longer merely a vale of tears but rather the place where God Himself has pitched His tent, it is the meeting place of God and mankind, of Gods solidarity with humanity.

Source: www.wildrosestudio.com.uk

Christmas Joy

Armando A. Sue

RT. REV. MSGR. HIGINIO C. VELARDE, JR., JCD, PA

Vicar General, Archdiocese of Jaro Parish Priest, National Shrine and Parish of our Lady of Candles

MOST REV. ANGEL N. LAGDAMEO, D.D.

Archbishop of Jaro 2

hristmas bells are ringing and the Christmas day Masses are unfolding. The Christmas trees are glistening and the Image of the Infant Jesus has been placed lovingly in the manger belensin many homes and in churches. Yes! Christmas is indeed with us. We celebrate today with joy the birth of the long-awaited Messiah The Infant Jesus -Who is the source of our faith, hope, and life. Around the world we see people with this joy in their varied interpretations of Christmas. Whether one is in Spain,in America, in Africa, or in the far-flung barangays in the Philippines, the outpouring of thanksgiving in the hearts of devoted Christians remains the same our Savior has come to be with us, and His Joy is in our midst. Here in the Philippines, we see Christmas at its most colorful and marked with intensive celebrations. We see longlost balikbayanrelatives coming home if only to rekindle ties and relive the Filipino Christmas spirit which can only be experienced genuinely right here in our country. From the humblest homesto the stateliest housesour Christmas days are filled with parties, family get-togethers, gifts,and shopping sprees.We see our kababayansnochebuena tables laden with pastillasand goodies, fruits, and dishes that find their way on the table only at Christmas. In the plazas and public squares we see them haggling for space in the bibingka and puto-bumbong stallsafter the dawn masses. Indeed, the Filipino spirit of giving and sharing becomes familiar and spontaneous.

And through all these, we find that the old traditional Filipino religious celebrations are alive and well-entrenched in our Filipino psyche. We find our people crowding our churches for the Misa deGallo. Our Christmas eve midnight Masses - the Misa de Aguinaldo are over-flowing withthe faithful, all with their variedprayers and Christmas wishes.We find that our Filipino family is still basically and genuinely Christian and Catholic. On the other hand, we do remember that it was only several weeks back when our people were overwhelmed by the devastations of super-typhoon Yolanda, the strong earthquakes, tsunamis, sink-holes, oil slicks, OFW tragedies, and most recently, a skyway busaccident killing several passengers and injuring others. With these happenings, good and bad,enfolding before our very eyes, we find ourselves asking, Is Christ really with us? Has God forgotten our people? Certainly, we knowthat God is truly with us and God never abandons us. God is always true to His Word. God never forgets His promises. We must remember God the Father Yahwehs promise to Noah and to His people after the big flood, that Mankind will never again be destroyed by a flood(Gen.9:8-17). And God the Father then put a rainbow in the sky as a sign of His promise. The Son Jesus, assuring the Apostles and Mankind of His promise never to abandon them, said, I am with you always until the end of this world.(Mt.28:20). Rather, for us Gods people on earth, we gift the Infant Jesus in the manger with our renewed commitment by asking ourselves,

Have I been with Christ all the way? Have I been true to my calling as a Christian? Have I been really sincere and true to myself before Gods presence in all that I do? Has this year been a year of Faith for me, one where I remained true to my Faith in my acts and beliefseven if my friends disagree and move away, even if I were the only one left standing for the Truth of God? After all the tragedies, misfortunes and calamities, and the gloomy weather that our people have experienced, we find that our skies have become clearer, bluer and brighter, the December air cooler, drier and more comfortable, the sun more intense and golden, gilding the trees and the Christmas holiday glee ofour faces. Yes! Our people have survived, and our faith in God the Fathers love and providencestrengthened. We joinPope Francisin rediscovering the joy of the Gospel this Christmas day, andeveryday of our lives. As we face 2014 with hopes for peace and prosperity, may our energies be channeled to our true calling as laity or laikos,focusing on our new journey in the coming Year of the Laity, truly and genuinely in search, and embracing, our Christian joy and CatholicFaith, with thenew-born Christ Child. A very blessed Christmas to all! References:
DZRH- DeoMacalma (re:skywayaccident report) Christian Community Bible (Claretian Publ./St.Pauls Publ.) Q.C.,1998 (re:Gen.9:8-17) EvangeliiGaudiumofPope Francis(Candle Light series Vol. XXI,no.106-108, 2013

CANDLE LIGHT (December 25, 2013)

CANDLE LIGHT (December 25, 2013)

Quote to Ponder
This Christmas may we be consistent in living the Gospel, welcoming Jesus into the center of our lives.
- Pope Francis

Is God Present?

Fe Marina Siacon

Ang Dios Bala Kaupod Naton?

ADMINISTRATION
RT. REV. MSgR. Higinio C. VelaRde, JR., JCD, PA.

PARISH
Parish Priest

Rev. FR. Ronald C. De Leon Senior Parochial Vicar Rev. fR. Nathaniel G. Gentizon Parochial Vicar Rev. fR. Philipp Neil Y. AntenoR-CRUz Special Assistant for Temporal Affairs Rev. mSgR. AleJandRo P. ESpeRanCilla Special Assistant for Liturgical Affairs Rev. fR. FRanCiSCo T. AngoStURa Rev. fR. JoeniCK S. teRRitoRio Rev. fR. CiRilo C. CamUS Resident Priests

013 is full of devastations in all aspects of our life. In politics, graft and corruption is the main dish; in religion, according to Arch. Socrates Villegas, many of us do not even know the fundamentals of our Faith, thereby resulting to failure in the evangelizing process. This is true despite the fact that most of us are Catholics and products of Catholic schools, and we are practicing Catholics with plenty of religious festivities. Yet, our country is mired in poverty and corruption. Our countrys economy is greatly affected by the destructions of the so-called climate change, resulting in different kinds of natural calamities. Families, too, have been greatly affected with different issues: separation of husbands and wives, the rampant practice of live-in lifestyle, single parenthood, gender and identity crises, etc. The RH Bill which addresses control of population was approved (but not yet implemented), resorting to abortions and use of artificial means of birth control. As family problems increase, wide gaps are created between the rich and the poor. In my own journey,

I have experienced being lost and came across many stumbling blocks along the way. A problem arrived so unexpectedly which made me feel down-trodden and

fearful. For me it was so heavy that I could hardly bear it. As a mother, my heart was being wrenched and twisted. It suffocated me, and I felt the pain. I cried but I never lost hope. I never ceased praying. I held on to Gods hands steadfastly and never loosened my grip in Him. Like a daughter, I cried in His Presence, confiding my problem, asking Him to spare me from it, at the same time humbly telling Him that if it is His will, then His will be done. I will just wait,

EDITORIAL BOARD
REV. FR. NATHANIEL G. GENTIZON Editor-in-Chief PUReza D. LaCUeSta Associate Editor ANNA SHIELA A. MORENO News Editor JUlieta g. aQUilo Feature Editor Lalaine D. PaSQUin Circulation Gian CaRlo C. tamaYo Layout Artist JeRald h. floReS JoY h. gefeS BenJe S. peloBello fe maRina S. SiaCon fRanCiS RaY d. SUBong aRmando a. SUE alBeRto h. Yanga Contributors The Candle Light is a non-profit weekly publication.

reflect, meditate and discern on why that problem was sent to me. I tried to assure myself that everything is as God plans. Then and there I experienced an inspiration, a light brightening my mind, telling me to accept what is there that was in store for me, understanding that everything that God sends has a purpose. With this experience I learned to trust God fully, letting Him work and decide for me. I subject myself totally to Him, to His Will for His will must be done. I gathered the whole family for discernment. Together before the altar we prayed the Holy Rosary, asking Mama Marys intercession and our Lords special care. We prayed deeply, heartily asking Gods help. Then I realized, as we gathered and prayed as one, God wants us to be humble, united in love and prayer, in His Presence. In that moment, I felt His closeness to me and the whole family. He is with us this Christmas season. He lightens our life with a gift, the three cute, beautiful angels. For me, I feel blessed for He blesses me with three gifts of life - my TRES MARIAS..

Joy H. Gefes

ang nagligad nga mga binulan, kadamo sing mga hitabo sa aton palibot nga nagdulot sing halit sa aton kabuhi. May linog, baha, landslide, storm surge kag bagyo. Kadamo man sang mga pagbag-o sa aton teknolohiya nga nagahalit sa aton kalawasan, pangabuhi kag sa aton palibot. Ini nga mga teknolohiya nagabulig sa pagpahapos sa aton pagpangabuhi apang ini nagahatag man sa aton sing kahigayunan sa pagpakasala kon indi naton paggamiton sing eksakto. Sa aton matag-adlaw nga pagpangabuhi may mga beses nga daw sa kabudlay panumdumon kon masarangan pa naton magpangabuhi tungod na lang sa kadamo sang galastuhan kag kadamo sang mga puwersa nga nagapigos sa aton. Halin pa sang bata kita, ginahambalan kita tanan nga palangga kita sang Ginuo. Apang sa masami indi naton makita ining pagpalangga sang Ginuo tungod kay lain ang pamaagi sang Dios sang sa aton ginapaabot kag ginalauman. Kon kaisa makapamangkot kita sa aton kaugalingon, Ang Dios bala kaupod naton? Ang Brgy. Botongon sa Estancia isa sa mga pito (7) ka purok nga tuman nga naapektuhan indi lang sa dilubyo Yolanda kundi pati man sang oil spill, tungod sang power barge nga ginhakwat kag gintumba sang Bagyo Yolanda. Gin-

evacuate sila halin sa ila nga purok sang Nobyembre 20 24, 2013. Ang mga pumuluyo sining purok subong nagaestar sa mga improvised tents nga gintukod sa isa ka eskwelahan sa Estancia nga naguba man sang bagyo. Mga duha (2) ukon tatlo (3) sila ka pamilya sa isa ka tent nga nagaginutok nga daw sardinas. May separado sila nga kumon nga banyo kag separado man ang sa babaye kag sa lalaki. Sa kada adlaw sila gina rasyonan sang isa (1) ka gantang nga bugas, tatlo (3) ka putos nga noodles kag lima (5) ka lata nga sardinas. Ginadugangan man ini kon dako ang pamilya. May allowance man nga ginahatag sa ila sa kada adlaw, depende kon pila sila ka katapo sa pamilya. Nagaluto kag nagalaba sila malayo sa ila nga tent. Kadamo naman sang nagabulig kag padayon nga nagabulig sa ila: NGOs, Simbahan kag ang local nga gobyerno sang Iloilo. May mga bulig man nga halin sa iban nga pungsod. Sa subong, ang iban nga lalaki sa ila nga pamilya naga-upod sa cash-for-work nga programa sang DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment), kapin pa ang indi makabalik sa ila ginaubrahan pareho abi sang mga nagapanagat. Ang iban nagahulat lang sang bulig sa ila mga tent. Ining ila nga sitwasyon may posibilidad nga magadugay sa tatlo (3) ka bulan, depende sa kondisyon sang ila lugar.

Ginhambalan man sila nga basi i-relocate sila kon indi na gid maayo nga magbalik pa sila sa ila lugar. Ang mga tawo diri wala nagahandom nga magdugay sa sini nga temporary shelter. Sila nagahandum nga malampuwasan nila ang ining trahedya. Positibo man sila nga makabalik sila sa pagpanagat kag sa ila gamay nga tiyangge sang amat-amat lang. Kon sila pamangkuton kun sa ini nga hitabo bala makasiling sila nga ginpabayan sila sang Ginoo, sila nagsabat nga Wala kami ginpabay-an kag wala kami ginapabay-an. Nakita nila nga nagabulig man gihapon sa ila ang Ginoo sa ila paagi sa mga tawo nga nagabulig. Daku ang ila pagtuo kag pagpati nga malampuwasan nila ang ini nga mga kalalat-an. Pagtilaw man lang ang mga ini sa ila kag sarang nila maagom ang kadalag-an.

How Do I Celebrate Christmas?

Aside from being excited about giving and receiving gifts, Christmas for me is the best time to renew, strengthen and mend my relationships with others, so that Christ must always shine. Ms. Sharon Prudente Simple lang ... after attending Mass we gather as a family at home for lunch and share gifts kon may ara. Halin sang una amo lang gid na kami. Basta naga pa thank you gid kay God for sending us Jesus. Ms. Cathy Contrador, PAC Coordinator I spend my Christmas by sharing and giving joy, love and peace to other people thru my talent through music. Mr. Beny Castillon, Music Teacher, Colegio de las Hijas de Jesus I just spend it with my family. Of all the days that Ive been busy working, for me Christmas is for my loved ones. Mrs. Jade Gonzales We go to Church and spend time with the kids and grandkids. Usually we have Christmas lunch and dinner as a family. Judge Daniel Amular We attend Mass in the morning and spend the rest of the day with our relatives in a mini-reunion. Mrs. Rachel R. Lacuesta Christmas day? (Spending it) with the family. Attending Mass in the evening of December 24 then Noche Buena with the family, opening of gifts, mga anak ga play while adults are having coffee and talking. December 25 morning, open sang kids ang gifts ni Santa kag iban pa gid, (then) we eat lunch sa gwa man gihapon hapit sa simbahan again, then rest na in the evening. Mr. Lester Gonsalves First thing I do for Christmas is to prepare for the coming of the Lord through avoidance of sin and temptation and by going to confession. Second, to spread love daily in simple ways. A sweet smile, a helping hand or a listening ear to somebody. Third, to give thanks for the bountiful blessings that God has given and continue sproviding me, my family and everybody. Ms. Paula Fulgencia Of course, with my family. We attend mass together and we have midnight dinner where (my) nephews and nieces open their gifts. My mom takes time to offer prayers of thanksgiving to our Lord. Mr. Warren Wuthrich

HE IS ONE OF US
of these, we ask, Is there God? Is He with us? Quite annoying, isnt it? Whereas before, a man who has faith would never dare ask these questions. God is with us! He is everywhere! With the one who greeted you Merry Christmas last night, there God is. With the one who shares his food with you, there God is present. With the one who hugs and kisses you, there God is. With the one who texted you because he/she remembers you, there God is. With those who suffered and are still suffering because of the typhoon and they receive relief goods and the help of volunteers, there God is present. Because our God never lets
Jerald H. Flores

et me share a few lines of the song One of Us by Joan Osborne: If God has a name, what would it be, and would you call it to his face, if you would face Him all in His glory? What would you ask if you had just one question? If God has a face, what would it look like, and would you want to see? What if God was one of us? Almost a month ago, we experienced an earthquake and Super Typhoon Yolanda and a battle between our government and terrorists. We cant deny the fact that until now, we are still suffering. Human as we are, we are born weak. We are doubtful of course we want to be sure! We are easily affected by things happening around us. Because

us feel that we are alone, he wants us to feel loved. All that we need is our faith, because, faith is like rexona, it wont let you down. Or we can say, faith is like cobra energy drink because pag meron ka nito, wala kang talo. Today as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. We must always remember that God loves us. He is with us. Because He loves the world, He gave His only begotten Son Jesus, our Savior and our King. Jesus is the embodiment of love and hope. Jesus is truly one of us! A simple Christmas to all!

Source: www.richlymiddleclass.com

CANDLE LIGHT (December 25, 2013)

CANDLE LIGHT (December 25, 2013)

NGA-A GINASAULOG SANG MGA KATOLIKO ANG CHRISTMAS?

Benje S. Pelobello

ng Disyembre amo ang pinakamasadya nga bulan sang tuig para aton nga mga Kristyano tungod sang aton pagpati nga ini ang tion nga natawo si Hesus nga aton Manluluwas. Sa pagsaulog sini nga okasyon aton ginapakita ang nagkalainlain nga mga pamaagi sa pagdumdom sang istorya sang aton kaluwasan. Kita nagapati nga sa gintalana nga tion ginpadala sang Dios ang Iya Anak nga matawo sa isa ka babaye ang magaluwas sa aton sa kasal-anan. Ini amo ang ginatawag nga Inkarnasyon nga ang Dios nagpakatawo kag nagpuyo upod sa aton. Ini amo ang matuod nga kahulugan sang Christmas ukon Paskwa sang Pagkatawo. Pero indi lipod sa aton nga may mga iban nga Kristyano nga wala nagapati sini. Para sa ila indi kuno husto ang aton pagsaulog sini kay wala man kuno si Jesus magsugo nga dapat naton saulogon ang Iya pagkatawo. Ila pa gid ginahambal nga wala man nabutang sa Bibliya nga natawo si Jesus sa Disyembre 25 kundi ini kuno nga petsa iya sang mga pagano kag ginsunod lang sang mga Katoliko para sa pagselebrar sang pagkatawo sang Ginoo. Suno pa gid sa ila imposible nga matawo si Jesus sa Disyembre kay sa sini nga tion tigtulognaw kag madamo sang mga snow gani mabudlay gid para sa mga manugpahalab ang magpaguwa sang ila mga karnero. Sa sini nga tion aton nga isa-isahon sa pagsabat ang tanan nila nga mga pagsupak kag ipakita nga husto ang aton ginahimo, nga may mas mapag-on kita nga salandigan kag rason sa aton ginabuhat sa tion sang Christmas bilang pagsaulog kag pagpadungog sa aton Ginoo. Sa libro nga Picturesque Palestine, volume 1, page 124 (Life in the Holy Land) it states, they needed the shepherds watchful care during the winter and spring month... and therefore winter does not disqualify December 25 as the time Jesus was born. Ang Disyembre 25 nga piesta sang mga pagano, opisyal nga gindeklarar sa Roma sang tuig 274 AD ni Aurelian nga Emperador. Apang ang Disyembre 25 nga ginasaulog sang mga Kristyano nga piesta sa pagkatawo, ginasaulog na nga daan umpisa pa sang una nga siglo suno kay Philus sang Antioch sang 183 AD kag kay Hippolytus

sang 203 AD. Gani siling sang isa ka mangin-alamon sa Simbahan, this antedates the recognition of the pagan feasts by almost 100 yearsso how could Dec. 25 be used to replace the birthdate of a pagan god feast when it had been recognized even before the pagan date was even established? Siguro tama naman ka klaro ang ginhambal sini nga mangin-alamon kon nga-a indi ini isa ka pagano nga kapistahan. Kay sa pagka-matuod ang mga pagano pa gani ang nag-ilog sa aton. Matuod nga wala sa Bibliya ginahambal nga Disyembre 25 ang pagkatawo ni Jesus pero indi kita sini magkatingala kay indi man kalendaryo ang Bibliya para sa mga petsa. Pero bangud sang padayon nga pagtuon sang syensiya nakadiskubre sila sang isa ka scientific method kon paano ang paghibalo nga si Jesus natawo sa sini nga bulan kag petsa. Ini amo ang ginatawag nga calendar converter. Suno sa sini nga pamaagi nahisayran nga sang una nga panahon may ginahiwat sila nga Feast of the Dedication to the Altar kag ini ginasaulog sa bulan sang TISHRI sa mga Hebreo nga natuon naman sa bulan sang Septyembre sa aton moderno nga kalendaryo. Kag ang ginasiling sang Bibliya sa Ebanghelyo ni San Lucas nga si Zacharias nga isa ka pari nga amay ni Juan Bautista ginhambalan sang anghel nahanungod sa pagkatawo ni Juan Bautista nga sadto nga tion ara sa altar bangud sining kapistahan nga ila ginasaulog. Ang klaro nga ginahambal sang kasulatan sang anum ka bulan pagkatapos sini nga piesta ang anghel sang Dios nagtunda kay Maria nahanungod sa pagkatawo ni Jesus. Gani kon ini nahanabo anum ka bulan pagkatapos sa bulan sang TISHRI ukon Septyembre sa aton kalendaryo ini nga pagtunda sang anghel nahanabo sa bulan sang Marso. Amo gani nga ang piesta sang pagtunda ginahiwat naton sa Marso. Kag kon mag-umpisa kita isip sang siyam ka bulan halin sa Marso ang ikasiyam sini amo ang bulan sang Disyembre. Amo ini ang mabakod nga balasihan naton kon nga-a ginahiwat ang piesta sang pagkatawo sa bulan sang Disyembre. Indi man matuod ang ila ginaaligar nga kuno ang kasulatan wala gid nagatudlo sa aton nga dapat naton saulogon nga may kalipay ang kaadlawan ni Jesus. Amo ini ang ginahambal ni Isaias nga propeta sa 9:2-3 Ang katawhan nga naga lakat sa kadudulman nakakita sang daku nga kapawa; ang mga nagapuyo sa landong sang kamatayon ang kapawa nagsilak sa ila...gindugangan mo ang ila kalipay; nagakalipay sila sa atubangan mo suno sa kalipay sa ani, subong sang

kasadya sang mga tawo kon magbahinbahin sila sang ila inanihan. Ining kapawa nga nangin rason sang ila pagkinalipay amo si Kristo. Dugang pa gid ni San Lucas, ang pagkatawo ni Jesus tion sang daku nga kalipay paagi sini nga mga pulong kag ang anghel nagsiling sa ila, dili kamu magkahadluk kay yari karon ginabantala ko sa inyo ang maayong balita sang dakung kalipay para sa tanan nga katawhan kay natawo sa inyo subong nga adlaw sa banwa ni David ang manluluwas nga si Kristo nga Ginookag sa hinali may nagbuylog sa mga anghel nga isa ka kadam-an sang panong nga nagadayaw sa Dios kag nagasiling, himaya sa Dios sa kahitaasan kag paghidait sa duta sang mga tawo nga iya nahamut-an (2:10-14). Ini nga mga dinalan maathag nga nagahambal sa aton nga dapat naton dumdumon sang may daku nga kalipay ang pagkatawo sang Manluluwas. Sa pagkamatuod ining mga Saksi ni Jehovah nga nagapakasala sang Christmas celebration may tinion man sa ila pagtuluohan nga sila nagasaulog man sini. Nangin matuod ang ginsiling ni San Pablo sa Roma 2:1 nga naga hambal kay sa paghukon mo sa iban ginakondenar mo ang imo kaugalingon kay ikaw nga nagahukom nagahimo man sang amo nga mga butang. May isa anay ka Saksi nga naghambal sa akon nga indi kuno Disyembre 25 ang kaadlawan ni Jesus kay suno sa ila pag-research, ini kuno nahanabo sa bulan sang Abril. Ang ginsabat ko sa iya, ti wala man kaso ah kon amo na ang inyo pagpati...maayo na gani kay sa Abril naga semana santa na kami kag nagakanta sang pasyon, kamo iya naga Christmas party palang kag nagakanta sang Christmas songs...hahaha Dapat man naton dumdumon nga ang labi ka importante sa aton indi ang literal nga petsa sang iya pagkatawo kundi ang hitabo mismo ukon ang event ang Iya mismo pagkatawo He has already given His best gift to all the world 2000 years ago.my friends the best gift we can give to God this Christmas is ourselves for his greater g l o r y . . M e r r y Christmas to all ! ! !

s the ferocious winds of Yolanda hit the town of Concepcion, Eugenias family sought refuge in their small comfort room. She hugged her two grandchildren who were shaking in fear and were feeling cold as they were drenched wet by the rain. Her husband and son got hold of the beam inside the CR so that it would not be blown by the winds. Walking along the road, it was business as usual for a shop after a month of devastation. Daves source of living is his shop made of light materials beside the road just a few meters away from the Central School, the Roman Catholic Parish Church and the Municipal Hall. Before Yolanda, he would design banners, print t-shirts and make streamers. During the typhoon, the shop was blown nearly flat to the ground but luckily remained intact. This is the first task that Dave focused on. With the help of friends and relatives he was able to repair the shop and continue earning a decent living. Sitting on the wooden stairs of their rehabilitated house, Eugenia related how the pupils of Concepcion were gravely affected and traumatized by Yolanda. As a grade-one public school teacher, she would notice that every time a thunderstorm occurs or raindrops fell the pupils were visibly shaking with fear. Often times, parents would not send their children to school for the afternoons session if there were signs of thunderstorm or rain. She recounted the pupils difficulty in such subjects like reading and writing, and in their ability to pay attention. It is a very difficult situation we are experiencing right now (in the classroom). But we have to start all over again, she added. Pope Francis in his Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, discussed that the great danger of todays world is what is called consumerism. Consumerism is a socio-economic order that encourages us to buy goods and services in ever-greater amounts. This is prevalent in our homes, schools, offices, in social media and even in our churches. One day my wife told me that it seemed that this Christmas is sad because its not like the Christmases we had years ago where we received more gifts, had more food prepared, and more parties.

Santamas
Francis Ray D. Subong

Consumerism slowly eats up our identity as Christians, and it even uses the good name of the kind and saintly Santa Claus in its guise. We are conditioned to buy more in order to enjoy more and be secured. We are made to feel that only with more material things, parties, and gadgets can we truly enjoy Christmas. Todays society looks up to Santa Claus as the symbol of Christmas the gift giver rather than Jesus Christ the giver of salvation. Carol Jean-Swanson in her article from the periodical Mothering (1992) summarizes, Our jolly old Saint Nicholas reflects our culture . . . He also mirrors some of our highest ideals: childhood purity and innocence, selfless giving, unfaltering love, justice, and mercy. The problem is that, in the process, he has become burdened with some of societys greatest challenges: materialism, corporate greed, and domination by the media. Here, Santa carries more in his baggage than toys alone! To be a Santa Claustype is not enough as we join in solidarity with our brethren who were affected by Typhoon Yolanda. What matters most is that we must never take away Christ from Christmas. Christ is the only reason why there is Christmas. Because of Christ, we are saved. We have suffered Yolandas wrath, yet we do not just end there. It is just the start of our renewed faith in Jesus our Savior. Thus, we must rejoice even though we may have lost all because Christ has saved us and He will never abandon us for He loves us.

FAITH That Saves

Joy H. Gefes

here is this small island in Concepcion, Iloilo. It is plain islet with no mountains around. The island is twenty-four (24) kilometers from the mainland of Concepcion, Iloilo with around 240 households. During the height of the Typhoon Yolanda rampage, people who knew about the existence of the island thought that it would submerge or disappear. Having nowhere to go, the inhabitants of the island gathered in their chapel. They organized themselves in three (3) circles holding arms together as in kapit-bisig having already resigned themselves to their fate. All the children were in the center circle, the women in the middle circle, and the men in the outer circle. But never giving up hope, they kept praying fervently the Rosary, asking the Blessed Virgin Mary that they be spared. When the storm came, they heard the angry roar of the winds. They saw wood, leaves, roof, etc., flying over them, and the upper portion of the sky grew dark. What amazed them was that the big waves never swept down on their island. In spite of the dark sky, they saw sunlight in the lower portion of the sky. At the height of the storm they noticed that the big waves were just smashing at the walls of their chapel. This happened for almost three long hours. But after those hours of fervent prayer with trust in the love and care of God, not a single soul was lost in the storm. Not even a scratch was found in any of them. Outside the chapel, everything was in turmoil, everything was crumpled and in chaos. Amazingly, inside the chapel everything was in place. The simple folks of Baladian believe that their strong FAITH and full trust in God spared them and their island from the snares of Typhoon Yolanda, And now, they strongly believe that their SECOND LIFE is Gods Christmas gift to them!!!

CANDLE LIGHT (December 25, 2013)

CANDLE LIGHT (December 25, 2013)

KEEPING THE FAITH ALIVE

Alberto H. Yanga This poem is dedicated to all survivors of Typhoon Yolanda, for holding on to their faith despite losing almost everything they had. Keeping ones faith alive can perhaps be the best Christmas gift ever that one can give.

ightmares of grim images haunt me in my sleep: Winds howl, trees bend and break Everywhere debris swirl and fly On a day that has no sun, there is no place to hide. And then there is a monstrous roar As huge waves towards land rise and roll So fierce and full of wrath Consuming everything along its path. Structures faint and collapse Ships and cars tossed around and promptly dispatched Humanity cries and screams Hurled into the swirling waters they can no longer be seen. And then the monster wind stops As if trying to catch its breath and gasps In the lull death floats around That makes me cry and fall on my knees on the ground. Oh where is Gods grace and mercy Let me not open my eyes for I do not want to see Let me not hear loud moans of the drowning Let me not breathe the smell of the dying. Oh my Lord free me from this bad dream Make my heart calm, strong and serene Make me see the light of the day Make me feel Your presence beside me. Then the Lord tells me Wake up, go out and accept reality. Do everything that you can Help people go through this test of faith My children they are and them I will always keep. Then the Lord leads me to this chapel Roofless, broken, yet standing still on top of a hill Priest and parishioners patiently going through the task Of sweeping broken glass, wiping pews and thick mud they mop. Still intact on the altar is Jesus on the Cross Unmindful of the strong winds that tried to pry it loose Looking up to the sun with the same merciful eyes As if saying: Trust me, I will save you and you will survive.

Rejoice... God is with us! Blessed Christmas to one and all!

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CANDLE LIGHT (December 25, 2013)