Christmas is a magical time of priceless epiphanies that stand out as treasured gems. Some are anticipated and planned for while others unfold spontaneously. Sometimes they are given to us- singular events that change our world, our lives.
Just as we think or contemplate on what to give each other this season, we often give and receive gifts to please one another. It is, however, truly refreshing to be reminded that we must empower one another to be the gift, by simply being a blessing to others.
Christmas day is a very significant day and one of those joyous events that we celebrate the world over. It is an annual holiday celebrated on December 25 that marks the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. One Filipino tradition that I want to practice is going to simbang gabi- the nine day ritual that begins on December 16 and is actually held not at night but at dawn, and ends on the midnight of the 24th of December. Simbang gabi is also known by its popular Spanish name as the misa de gallo, or "mass of the rooster". Catholic churches throughout the country will be ringing their bells at 3:00 or 3:30 in the morning before the roosters crow. This tradition continues whether you live in the city or in the province, although it is celebrated in new ways.
I've tried it for a couple of days only way back in the year 2000 where in my husband and I woke up at four in the morning and went to Immaculate Conception Parish to hear mass. It was such a wonderful experience knowing that some people sacrificed their sleep just to attend the glorious and meaningful celebration. Today, I promise myself that I will prioritize simbang gabi. I will make it a point to attend all nine dawn Masses. I know that it will take a lot of discipline, having to wake up-and stay up-during the cold mornings of December. But what's nine days to give back to God after receiving so many blessings the whole year? Not that it's such a big thing for Him, but it is a sacrifice.
Simbang gabi is not just a tradition that is celebrated because we need to do so. But it is the spiritual preparation for Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. It is practised by Catholic Filipinos communities who are living elsewhere in the world. No matter how or when this celebration takes place, the Simbang Gabi provides a strong indication of the depth of the Catholicism among the hearts of Filipino people. For those who do not attend the celebration, simbang gabi may appear to be too much noise too early in the morning. But a modicum of reflection easily allows everyone to gain insight into the deeper meaning of this celebration. Simbang gabi expresses the faith of Filipinos who holds the same core beliefs as all Christians, namely, that God is present in the human history, even in the simple joys and anxieties of life's humblest activities.
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