PARTY: The Essence of Christmas

You might wonder why “PARTY” is the essence of Christmas. Well it does not necessarily pertain to the usual party that most of us are doing every Christmas. The word PARTY stands for Prayer, Advocacy, Relationship, Thanksgiving and Year-End. Yes, you’re right with what you’ve just read. That acronym I heard was a homily of the officiating priest when I attended the mass on December 25, 2014. I was just moved by this simple message of him. 

PRAYER. It is not new to us that during Christmas season it is part of our preparation for the coming of Jesus is the 9-day dawn masses or the Misa de gallo. Many of us believe that after completing the 9-day dawn masses can have his wishes and that wishes will come true. Well as for me, I have been doing this consistently since 2008. I am not bragging this, but I am proud to say that I was able to do so; because through this I was able to give myself to the Lord. Each year, I do have my wishes and prayers. And the Lord did well in granting them. Though not all were granted but I believe it will come in the right time because his plans are better than our own. Anyways, we have our different interpretation of this tradition. Nevertheless, the essential thing about Christmas is our sincerity in prayer and preparing ourselves for His coming. 

ADVOCACY. The famous cliché states, “It is better to give than to receive”. Christmas season is obviously the time of sharing and giving. But does it come to your mind to which you will spend your money with? It is matter of our choice. Let us think of people who are most in need. May it be the street kids, old-woman who are selling goods in the market, handicaps, the sick and the dying or maybe our family. Your simple ways of helping them may have a great impact in their lives.  

RELATIONSHIP. One of the best gifts that I think everyone loves to receive is the gift of good relationship. It is inevitable to have none to argue with. A foe is a sign that we are fighting for something and we are doing good. These were the people who always watch our actions. Thanks to them we were given much of their time. But isn’t it nice if we will be able to reconcile these people and make friends.  Isn’t it amazing if we will be able to sleep every night with a happy hearts? People might think of relationship as the least thing to have but for me it is essential. You talk to different people every day and it is just right to make good relationship most especially in the family. Yes in the family where the most source of happiness lies on it. All unresolved grudges among the members should be settled. After all, who does not want to live a happy life? Let us forget and forgive. 

 

THANKSGIVING. Thank You! A simple message but it touches down to the deepest part of the heart especially when done with sincerity. This Christmas let us thank everyone who gives contribution to our life. This may include our family, our friends, our peers, our officemates, and our selves. I would just love to say thank you to all the people who inspires me to wake up every day. You are really God’s gift to me. Thank you! 

YEAR-END. Through the whole year we encounter a lot of things. It could be nice if we should take some time, isolate ourselves from others and meditate. How our year did go through and what have we done. If last year you have 10 enemies might as well this year it increases; now it’s time to reflect. Another year is about to come and it’s quite good thing to start it right.

In our busy lives, let us not forget to be grateful to God. Give some of your time for him and say a little prayer.  Let us not celebrate Christmas once a year, let’s do it every day. God speed!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!