A Blessed Christmas and a Blissful New Year

A handful of members of TawagAwit prepared the Fr David Nolan Auditorium for Open Gathering on December 20.  Each one went about doing what was necessary to ensure that everything went smoothly for the party of giving, sharing and caring. “Will they come?” most of us wondered. We had done our best, God would do the rest.

We prayed for good weather (it was forecasted to be rainy) and a good turnout (only a few confirmed attendance).

We got more than what we expected.

1.     The weather was cool and sunny, just perfect for the celebration.
2.     By the time the programme started, we had gathered more than a hundred that grew to 300 midway through the proceedings.
3.     People graciously brought food and gifts, that there was enough for everyone to partake and receive.
4.     Bro Bob and Sis Cez Nacario brought a six-foot tall Christmas tree that brightened up the bare stage with all the donated gifts placed underneath the tree.
5.     Initially, we only had three sure performers, but as the days toward the event grew nearer, we obtained commitment from diverse talents from acoustic performers to classical artists – plus a big congregation of Visayan-speaking talents rendered a thoroughly rousing number.
6.     Four speakers – Fr Mike Tria, Fr Reno Alima, Bro Oscar Batucan and Sis Miriam Batucan – gave wonderful insights on celebrating Christmas and strengthening the family.
7.     Clarinda Bonilla who offered to design and bake a special cake for the birthday celebrant, Jesus, said that she felt wonderfully fulfilled when she came out with the simple, yet meaningful design of the images of Joseph, Mary and Jesus placed on top of the cake.
8.     Holding the event required finances to pay for the venue and other necessities, and kind individuals gave voluntarily which made the event self-liquidating.
9.     There were lots of smiles, of Christmas greetings, of gratitude throughout the celebration. One participant emailed: “Well done to the organizers of OG!!! Thumbs up to all of you!!”

The Holy Spirit never abandons us. “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” (Luke 11:13)  Instead He gifts us with more than what we pray for, especially if the prayer is meant for others and for the good of all.

If you feel lonely and abandoned this Christmas, open your heart and allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with the love and peace of the Child Jesus who was born to save you and me. You may get more than you expect.

by Mel Libre