2014 Blog 357: Joyful

It is the last day of simbang gabi. It was so beautiful to see the church was filled up on each of the 9 evenings that I attended. There you can see an overwhelming faith. It is a beautiful sight. There has been some chances of saying the Lord’s Prayer in my native tongue. That felt really good. So joyful.

It has been a wonderful time of christmas waiting. I think going on reflections helped take away the buzz of how busy christmas season can be. It helps bring up the solemnity of christmas.

The waiting is almost over. The big day is almost here. I pray that everyone may find the peace and joy of Christmas Day.

Are you feeling the joy?

 

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2014 Blog 349: Simbang Gabi

One of the filipino christmas traditions is “Simbang Gabi”. It means “Evening Mass”. It is a Catholic novena done by attending a mass for 9 executive evenings prior Christmas Day. In some churches, it is done around midnight or early morning before sunrise. The novena prepares someone in the coming of the Day Jesus was born. When I was in the Philippines, I have been not able to attend this every christmas season due to timing. And truly, of all the years I might have tried attending it, I think there would be very few that I have completed. Now, many many miles away from the Philippines, I am glad that there is one nearby that will render for 9 nights through christmas eve. It is not exclusive to the filipinos but it is mostly attended by filipinos. I will try to go and complete this novena. It reminds me so much of home, and the evening prayers makes me feel how special and blessed it is waiting for Jesus’ Birthday. Wow. Ten days more and it is christmas.

How are you waiting?

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