December 5: Second Sunday in Advent
Posted by Campus Ministry on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at 8:00 AM PST
I’m sure many of you know of a person or family that seems to be too proactive when it comes to Christmas lights, decorations, and festivities. Even before Halloween ends, you drive past their houses and notice an inflatable sleigh already in their front lawn.
While this may be a rarity (and unexpected) for families in the United States, expect the Christmas cheer to be already in full swing in the Philippines.
Every year, in as early as September, Jose Mari Chan’s Christmas songs are on the radio. Street vendors begin to sell parol, Christmas lanterns.
You might ask: “Why? What in the world makes them begin the Christmas season so early?”
While the United States and other Western countries have many holidays that come about when nearing the end of the year, the Philippines does not.
However, I think a deeper part of the reason is due to the current situation in the Philippines. In 2018, half of the nation’s citizens made less than $5.50 USD per day. This has only been exacerbated during the pandemic, where happiness is at an all-time low. This nation needs all the hope and joy it can obtain.
We can see from today’s readings the same invitation to hold on to hope. The nation of Israel has seen better days themselves. Still, the prophet Baruch spurs them on and reminds them that good things are to come, to pick themselves up, and to look to the future that burns brightly. “Up, Jerusalem!”
In Today’s Gospel, St. Luke lists many of those who have riches and power, but he makes it a point to say that even with their influence and power, the Word of God simply came upon a ragged man in the desert. God comes to bring hope to those who are most in need.
Therefore, we cling to this season of preparation for Christmas. In the Philippines, while many have struggled to find a foothold amidst this pandemic, and while many families have no claim to riches or fame and are struggling to make ends meet, they remember the message that Christmas brings, that God has not forgotten them and their people.
Perhaps we too, here in Seattle, are in need of reminders of the hope and possibility that this season of Advent brings, as we prepare ourselves to celebrate Christmas:
“Up, Jerusalem! Stand upon the heights. Look and see your children rejoicing that they are remembered by God.”
Reflect on this past year: What are you grateful for? What have you struggled with? Have you lifted both of these up to God?
~ Sky Verzosa, B.S. Biology, Class of 2022