The 2011 Year-ender Blogpost

Okay....

I wanna keep it short and simple before we start 2012 with a bang. It would be a prayer:

First of all, I thank the Lord for 2011. The Pro-life victory, the Quadricentennial Year of UST, and everything that happened this year. We return to you, O Lord, the glory.

Second, I hope that Your countenance would be felt still in the new year. May the motherly care of the Blessed Virgin be felt on us.

And finally, whatever I may see as an opportunity to serve You, may I do it for You.

This I ask through Christ, Our King and Lord, through the intercession of the Blessed Mother and all the Angels and Saints.

AMEN!


And as I did last year, here's the best of 2011:

Life vs. Death

Catholicism, a Balance of Heart and Mind

Umaasa

the March 25 Pro-Life rally

UST's Human Cross

The Tax Collector at the Temple

Prophecy or Mass Panic?

O Birheng Kalinis-linisan

Christ in the Hands of His Priest

Father's Day Letter para kay Rizal

A Leningrad in the Making

Humanae Vitae Week

The Grassroots Project

Theotokos

The Battle for Existence Continues

My Youth

St. Nicholas a.k.a. Santa Claus

A Nativity Hymn

A Reflection on St. John

Byzantinong awit sa Pasko ng Pagsilang ng Panginoong Jesu-Kristo

pagsasalin ni Ian Riñon

Ngayo'y ipinanganak buhat sa isang dalaga Siyang may tangan ng tanang nilikha sa Kanyang mga kamay. 


Siyang hindi mahawak-hawakan ay binalutan ng lampin bilang Sanggol. 


Siyang Diyos nang sa pasimula'y nilikha ang kalangitan ay nakahimlay sa isang sabsaban. 


Siyang nagpaulan ng manna sa Kanyang bayan sa ilang ay nakasalalay sa gatas ng Kanyang Ina. 


Siyang Kabiyak ng Simbahan ang nag-anyaya sa mga pantas.

Ang Anak ng Birhen ang tumanggap ng kanilang mga handog.

Pinupuri namin ang Iyong pagsilang, O Kristo.

Nawa'y makita rin namin ang sarili Mo. 

Santa Claus's Christmas Wish (a repost)

Santa Claus' Christmas Wish

(Translated from the original Filipino Christmas story of Francis Raymund Gonzales)

"They're going to boycott you," a voice behind him broke the silence of the room.

He didn't turn to the source of the message. He just continued to stir sugar into his coffee. Oh no; he have put too much sugar. Now he knows why: he is somewhat affected even if he had heard it before.

"Rudolph, where did that came from?" the old man asked his friendly pet.

"It's in the Internet. It says here that the people would start a campaign of not patronizing you anymore this December. What's worse about it is that Catholic priests will spearhead this against you."

Taking a deep breath, he does not want to show his pet that he knows all these things. The eastern winds whispered this to him a month ago--and the western a week ago--and the south about two hours ago. He does not want to admit that this is what makes him a little less jolly for a couple of days now.

"Santa," Rudolph continued, "a group of deers suggested that we would just pick places where there are still no actions made against you. According to some collected information, you are popular in Japan. So that means, we could conduct a mission there."

It looks like that he doesn't want to talk to his pet anymore, so he pushed his back against his soft chair. Rudolph also noticed that his master does not want to talk about the topic in hand, so he left the room.

A deeper breath was all that Santa Claus could do. It looks like Santa Claus, the most popular symbol of Christmas in the world, is hesitant to stand up and move. Despite the many years of giving joy to children, he knew that one day there would be people who would complain and hate him.

He also knew the reason why they are pulling him down: someone made a private message to him on Facebook telling him that he was stealing the spotlight from the Infant Jesus; instead of centering the celebration to the Messiah, he himself was the reason of the happiness of the children and the commercialization of Christmas. That is why he ignored Rudolph when he involved Japan. Yes--the Land of the Rising Sun. Christmas is popular there, however, he was the reason behind it. He is THE icon of Christmas in a foreign land. He overlapped the Messiah in the importance of the Japanese; and he is disappointed of it.

Suddenly, he thought of something. He rung the tiny bells to call his reindeers: "Dasher! Dancer! Prancer! Vixen! Comet! Cupid! Donner! Blitzen! Rudolph! Ready the sleigh! We'll go visit someone!"

That night, they went to a cathedral in a nearby town. Santa walked inside the dark, cold, hollow place, and in a nook, he saw a lighted image of Jesus in the manger. There is no other image there. He thought that someone forgot to put this in the right place. He was astonished that there were no lights in it! It seems that a light from above the cathedral that illuminates the image is guiding him to where he was standing.

With guilt from within, he humbly prostrated in prayer upon reaching the image:

"Master, first of all, I would like to thank You for this night that I could visit You. Everything that happens is according to Your will for those who love You--even the campaign of ousting me at this time. May Your will be done. For a long time of reading every child's wish every Christmas, I realized that I am also a child in Your presence; and I have one wish to tell."

The face of the image of Christ looks peaceful, and His eyes are looking towards the light from above.

And Santa continued: "Master, I wish that every man would understand that I am not here to form a barrier against You. I have a happiness that I want to share to others; and You know that You are my true happiness. I am doing this not only because I want to make children happy every Christmas Eve, or to make the family happy in their Santa Claus decorations, and all other reasons. I am here to remind them that if they feel the goodness and happiness I bring, I hope that they would realize that there is a more infinite Goodness and Joy, for You have said: 'No servant is higher than his master." They may not see You in their merry-making, I hope that they may feel You through me while they decorate their homes in my image. I am just like a clown in a birthday party who brings happiness to all; and You are the birthday celebrant. As a clown, the only thing I could give to You is my duty to bring happiness. I ask for Your forgiveness if there are people who misunderstand my intentions for Christmas."

The light vanished, and someone went inside--the sexton. Santa and his reindeers also vanished.

"Mama! Mama! It's beautiful! Can we buy it?...Please...."

It's Christmas shopping again in a mall. Shining lights and figures of angels are everywhere--of course, also those of Santa Claus. But there is something new in their inventory. It seems that the Infant Jesus was satisfied  and He granted Santa's wish that night. Indeed, that is a new figurine--and one of the most meaningful to display this Christmas: an example of humility and of submission that despite of one's popularity, it is God alone who should remain, and it is God alone who should be glorified.

That was the figurine of Santa Claus kneeling in front of the Christ Child.

Filipinos and Counter-Cultures (A Commentary for "Filipino Hippies")

Here's a blog post of my colleague in Communication Arts, Ms. Paula Solmerano, about counter-cultures. I don't have that much idea about it, but I guess in the prevailing social issues and attitudes can be inserted here as additions to what she posted, of course, with her permission. You can see the original post HERE. 

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Filipino Hippies

The world must need more love, because the last hippie has yet to die.

-Jesse Walker

            Counter-culture as defined in most references is a culture or way of life of particular people living in a society whom oppose or reject the dominant culture, norms, or behavior existing in that society. Some sociologists believe that culture in a society is never without a counter-culture. [And that is correct. Yet social issues today are so confusing that no one can distinguish what is the culture and what is the counter-culture.] To date, the most popular counter-culture was the ‘hippies’ which began their cultural revolution in the West during the 1960’s.  [which also brought about the Sexual Revolution that started the opening of the Pandora's box of contraceptive mentality and also the liturgical abuses that were practiced as a misinterpretation of the documents made at the Second Vatican Council.] However, locally speaking, some counter-cultures also existed and continues to exist in the Philippine society.

            One manifestation of cultural opposition is evident in the Philippines’ religion history during the pre-colonial period. Even before Catholicism becomes the dominant religion in the country, in the past, it can be considered as an opposition to the then prevailing religious system—Animism.  Animism can be used to describe the indigenous spiritual traditions practiced by people in the Philippines during pre-colonial times. It is a collection of beliefs and cultural mores anchored in the idea that the world is inhabited by spirits and supernatural entities, both good and bad, and that respect be accorded to them through nature worship. These spirits are known as ‘diwatas’. In this belief, some worship anitos and others even practice magic. This religion, in the past, holds the record of dominance for the whole archipelago but when Catholicism started to spread in the northern part of the country, the shift of the once principal to a minor religion ensues.

             In short, today’s leading religion, Catholicism, was then part of minor subculture in Philippine society which in the course of history, developed to be the main religion in its opposition and desire for propagation. Nowadays, only a handful of indigenous tribes continue to practice Animism. [and a number of people also practice its Western counterpart, Wicca, which is considered a cult by the Catholic Church.]

            As an example now of the present existence of cultural opposition in the country, youth again can be fairly counted. It seems that Philippines has its own “hippies”—only more socialites in sense--with the like of Katipunan ng mga Kabataang Kadre (KKK), an underground socialist youth in Mindanao. These young people, described as dynamic, bold and daring, is a sector, composed of various sub-sectors, which transcends to different sectors and classes of the society (Antoine, 2010).

            On the anniversary of Bonifacio Day, year 2009, the socialist oriented youth from the Bangsa Moro people, Indigenous Peoples of Mindanao and from the majority nationality, proclaimed the creation of a new underground, revolutionary socialist, anti-capitalist, anti-imperialist youth society called the Katipunan ng mga Kabataang Kadre (KKK) or the Society of Young Cadres. This society is mainly based in Mindanao with elements in various parts of the country. It reflects the desire of the young revolutionaries to slowly unlearn and out-grow the Stalinists and Maoist orientations that they inherited. This is also to help create a counter –culture against the rising culture of careerism, opportunism, commercialization, and reformism that they view as the main culprit of havoc and confusion in various social sectors. (http://www.internationalcamp.org/spip.php?article244&lang=fr)  Furthermore, according to the socialist youth there is a need to organize and mobilize all the anti-capitalist and anti-imperialist youth under the banner of revolutionary socialism towards the realization in Mindanao, Philippines, and the world. [Looks like the idea is a fusion of Islamo-indegeous and communist thought, I presume.]

            Clearly, this example somehow violates one of the main considerations in defining what a counter-culture is: being not necessarily a social movement and members are often unorganized. However, the mere existence of the citizens having the same outlook against the existing social concerns of Philippine society presently already proves a fact that such culture exists in the country prior to the formation of their movement. This youth socialites stand for what they believe as the more proper way of living life and how social system in the country should change and not be tolerated anymore by its people. Indeed, an opposition of what is constantly happening in Philippine society. [Uh-huh]

            Lastly, the counter-culture that has been existing in the past, present, and in high chances, still continues to exist in the future shows the manifestation of Filipino colonial mentality. [Take, for example, the Sexual Revolution, which ushered in the ST films here in the Philippines, which in turn paved the way to pornography and voyeurism, and now, the RH Bill.]  At first thought colonial mentality may seem to be irrelevant in discussing Philippine society, but as Manuel L. Quezon said, “It is not, at least not entirely.” [Though some of Quezon's critics argue that he was a Janus-faced politician--facing the Filipinos, he speaks of his ardent desire for independence, on the other hand (or should I say face), he speaks with the Americans about other plans. Thus, Quezon is a counter-culture himself, much like Jekyll and Hyde]

            In an article of Manuel Quezon entitled Philippine Racism, he discussed the significance to highlight colonial mentality as part of Filipino culture. For some reasons, it already has became a characteristic of Filipino culture which therefore promotes a different  yet common subculture in the country—people who account a big part of their life by patronizing everything colonial and  deride anything that gives pride to what truly is “Filipino”. This culture is simply evident through the lifestyle some Filipino follow and their standpoint of beauty, in both aspects—physical and material. Sadly, even in media, this kind of lifestyle is portrayed. [and, sadly, even mimicked for the sake of ratings.]

             Furthermore, Quezon said, “The colonial mentality constitutes a weakness in the structure of our national society which we can ill afford.”. If one were to argue that this is a mere mentality or behavior, not a counter-culture of Filipino nationalism why therefore it affects society so much that it cannot afford to completely manifest in the culture of the country? The answer is because; it is indeed already a sub-culture continuously opposing the dominant nationalistic culture which ought to really rule. However, it may not be imperative that this kind of culture in Philippine society be eliminated, only minimized. As a result of the mentality, a sub-culture materializes and its defect in Philippine society can cause it to crumble.

            Aside from these three cases presented, the existence of counter-culture in Philippine society can also be pointed through a number more examples. These examples only prove that Philippines, just like any other country, has experienced, and still experiencing, counter-cultures.

Bibliography

Antoine. (n.d.). Philippines. Retrieved July 23, 2011, from http://www.internationalcamp.org/spip.php?article244&lang=fr

Quezon, M. L. (n.d.). Philippine Racism. Retrieved July 23, 2011, from http://www.quezon.ph/familyinfo/philippine-racism/

Religion in the Philippines. (n.d.). Retrieved July 23, 2011, from http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Religion_in_the_Philippines 

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Blogger's Note: Paula Solmerano is currently a Communication Arts Junior at the University of Santo Tomas. At the time of this post, she works as a trainee and an undercover reporter for ABS-CBN Sports. Ms. Solmerano also blogs at Beneath a Dreamer's Apophthegm

Taking from here, Ms. Solmerano was right. There are existing counter-cultures which do not only shape society, but divides it into two or more schools of thought. 

The greatest example we can tackle here is the issue of contraception and the other issues related to it. Advocates of contraception are further divided into splinters of thought: on one hand, those who favor contraception as essential medicines and nothing more; on the other, those who favor contraception who also are advocates for abortion, divorce, same-sex marriages, euthanasia, secularism, neo-atheism, and even religious bigotry. In the three latter advocacies, there are still more collateral damage which they are pursuing--the discrediting and taxing of religious organizations, specifically the Catholic Church; the "education" of young minds to adhere neo-atheism; and much more. 

There is a loophole in these, however. It seems they only target Catholics--prelates, clergy, religious, and laity--just because, for them, they have the guts of opposing all of these, and they are the most rational among the religious institutions in the country, and basically, across the globe. Besides, what can they get from the other religious groups aside from their support? 

Aside from this prevailing word war on venues and in the Internet, there are many more counter-cultures that continues to make this country a house divided. 

Anyway, Thank you, Paula, for letting me do a commentary about this. 

:D

Participation at Mass

This is a good read by Taylor Marshall.... 


The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is a participation in the eternal liturgy of Heaven at which Christ is the celebrant [True... Very true.]. Prior to Christ's death on the life-giving cross, Heaven was closed to humans. The Old Testament saints remained in the Limbo of the Fathers ("Abraham's bosom") until the death of Christ opened the gates of Heaven [No idea about that, but hey, now I know. :D]. This is why the Old Testament Temple had statues and images of angels within it, but no images of human beings. Now that Christ has bodily entered Heaven and escorted humans into Heaven [being BOTH human and divine], our temples or churches now contain statues and images of angels and human saints [Now beat that, Manalo!].

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass allows us to participate in the mystical worship of the Holy Trinity [The Mass lifts us up to the greatness of Heaven.]. Any so-called theologian or liturgist who does not consider the Holy Mass as a sacrifice and a mystical participation in Heaven is not thinking with the mind or heart of the Holy Church [TPC, can you repost this? This message must go somewhere only you know. hahahahaha!]. Saint Paul [Uhhh, isn't the author of the Letter to the Hebrews, although Paulinely influenced, another person?] explains what Christ taught concerning this:

[22] But you are come to Mount Sion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to the company of many thousands of angels, [23] And to the church of the firstborn, who are written in the heavens, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of the just made perfect, [24] And to Jesus the mediator of the new testament, and to the sprinkling of blood which speaketh better than that of Abel. [25] See that you refuse him not that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spoke upon the earth, much more shall not we, that turn away from him that speaketh to us from heaven. (Heb 12:22-28) [Never mind the typo.]

The Holy Mass is the enfolding of the death of Christ, the resurrection of Christ, and union with Him now in Heaven. Thus, we who are embodied here on earth must adapt to this mystical reality. The rubrics, music, architecture, and words of Holy Mother Church ensure that this reality (which is impossible to see without the eyes of faith) is illustrated through dignified signs [and must not be bastardized.].

The priest, we know, signifies Christ and acts in the person of Christ [An Alter Christus acting in Persona Christi at Mass]. What do the laity signify? The Eastern Cherubikon, or Cherubic Hymn, describes the Catholic faithful as "mystically representing the Cherubim": [Now that's a dignified representation by our Eastern brothers!]

Greek:

Οἱ τὰ Χερουβεὶμ μυστικῶς εἰκονίζοντες, 

καὶ τῇ ζωοποιῷ Τριάδι τὸν Τρισάγιον ὕμνον προσάδοντες, 

πᾶσαν νῦν βιοτικὴν ἀποθώμεθα μέριμναν, 

ὡς τὸν Βασιλέα τῶν ὅλων ὑποδεξόμενοι, 

ταῖς ἀγγελικαῖς ἀοράτως δορυφορούμενον τάξεσιν. Ἀλληλούϊα.

English:

We who mystically represent the Cherubim,

and who sing to the Life-Giving Trinity the thrice-holy hymn,

let us now lay aside all earthly cares

that we may receive the King of all,

escorted invisibly by the angelic orders. Alleluia

If we truly believe the words of this hymn (and the testimony of Saint Paul), then our participation in the Holy Mass will become profoundly angelic. Active participation does not mean moving around physically or carrying things around the sanctuary. Rather, active participation means being aflame with love in the presence of God. [Emphasis mine.] Cherubs, in the Old Testament, are not fat babies [thanks to the Renaissance painters.], but fierce beast-like protectors of God's glory and sanctity [and how privileged are we to become lesser than angels, for we take part in the defense of God's glory]. Mary was and is the greatest active participant of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass because she co-offered it with her Son nearly 2,000 years ago at Golgotha. She did not speak or move. She united herself. In union with Jesus, she was perfectly actualized with love, reverence, and worship. I wish that I could see what she must have looked like on that dreadful day. Mary is higher than the cherubim and seraphim because she is also the sincere and wounded lover of the Holy Sacrifice [Proof: Read the lyrics of Agni Parthene.].

If we really want to get serious about the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and the liturgy, then we need to scrap all the "liturgy workshops" of the last forty years and engage ourselves in Mariology. How can we be more like Mary at the Cross? How can we be more like Mary when we bear Christ in our bellies? How do the holy priests of the Catholic Church best enter into this mystery? To be Marian is to be liturgically sound [and to be Marian is the greatest gauge of one's faith, since Mary is the nearest being associated to God Himself.].

I learned from a holy priest that it was the practice of Bl. Contardo Ferrini, a holy layman, to humbly pray Mary's Magnificat as soon as he received Holy Communion at the altar rail [well, that's a good practice...why not try it the next time we receive Christ in Holy Communion?]. In this way, he made himself "active" in the mystery of the liturgy. The words of Our Lady's canticle are in fact a perfect post-Communion thanksgiving and instill the humility that we need. Mary was, the saints confirm, the most humble creature that ever lived [and that debunks the anti-Catholic argument that the Mary of Catholicism is not the Mary of the Bible; because they are one and the same. And for everyone's information, if the Gospels were synchronized, the last recorded statement that the Blessed Mother uttered was: "Do whatever He tells you." (Jn.2:5), which is actually an affirmation that everything, specifically prayers, is leading to God, and the holy men and women we HONOR are but mere(?) intercessors.]. 


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Now THAT is Catholic enough. 


Anyway, I'll be at the CBCP Compound later for a conference composed of Catholic bloggers. Pray for me, everyone!

Ang Tunay na Iskolar ng Bayan: a Poem by John Juat

Don't get me wrong. I'm a Thomasian. 


But some of our brothers who are Iskos [colloquial term for UP students; derived from "Iskolar ng Bayan"] are against the RH Bill for secular, and maybe practical reasons. Nevertheless, the main idea is there even if UP is a house divided in this issue, just as other Universities are. We're still a month away before I shift to Filipino in blogging, but let me give you a teaser for that, courtesy of Before the Eastern Sunset. 


Original post may be seen HERE. 

Ang tunay na iskolar ng bayan

Na may pakialam sa kapwa nating mamamayan

Alam na hindi RH Bill ang tunay na kasagutan

Sa problemang hinaharap ng ating lipunan

Napakaraming problema ang dapat nating tugunan

Pagpapatatag ng edukasyon ang ating pondohan

Kung kulang pa tayo ng guro, libro at paaralan

Paano natin sila bibigyan ng wastong karunungan?

Pill at condom lang ba ang halaga ng ating katawan?

Kung hindi kaya mahalin, edi huwag na pakasalan

Tayo rin ang todong maaapektuhan, tayong mga kabataan

Kaya naman natin magtimpi, disiplina lang ang kailangan

Bakit ba ang pagbubuntis ay pilit iniiwasan?

Isa ba itong sakit na nararapat mabilisang gamutan?

Ang totoo, isa itong napakalaking karangalan

Na ang babae’y makapagdalang tao sa kanyang sinapupunan

Mga taga-UP, gamitin natin ang ating taglay na katalinuhan

Huwag tayo maging parang asong sunod sunuran

Hindi purkit uso at sinabing maganda ng mga taga-kanluran

Ay totoong makabubuti sa ating minamahal na bayan

Iskolar ng bayan, buksan natin ang ating isipan

Tingnan natin mabuti ang isyu sa kabuuan

Ibasura na natin ang RH Bill bago tayo magsisi ng tuluyan

At tinataguyod ng panukalang ito ay kultura ng kamatayan

Ang tunay na iskolar ng bayan

Na may pakialam sa kapwa nating mamamayan

Alam na hindi RH Bill ang tunay na kasagutan

Sa problemang hinaharap ng ating lipunan

-o-o-o-

This poem is penned by John Juat in relation to the Pro-Life Rally mounted by Pro-life UP Students last July 1. 

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That also means I'm not the only poet around.... hahahaha 


Ma'am Aliza Racelis also shared about that UP Pro-Life Rally.

Santa Claus' Christmas Wish

(Translated from the original Filipino Christmas story of Francis Raymund Gonzales)

"They're going to boycott you," a voice behind him broke the silence of the room.

He didn't turn to the source of the message. He just continued to stir sugar into his coffee. Oh no; he have put too much sugar. Now he knows why: he is somewhat affected even if he had heard it before.

"Rudolph, where did that came from?" the old man asked his friendly pet.

"It's in the Internet. It says here that the people would start a campaign of not patronizing you anymore this December. What's worse about it is that Catholic priests will spearhead this against you."

Taking a deep breath, he does not want to show his pet that he knows all these things. The eastern winds whispered this to him a month ago--and the western a week ago--and the south about two hours ago. He does not want to admit that this is what makes him a little less jolly for a couple of days now.

"Santa," Rudolph continued, "a group of deers suggested that we would just pick places where there are still no actions made against you. According to some collected information, you are popular in Japan. So that means, we could conduct a mission there."

It looks like that he doesn't want to talk to his pet anymore, so he pushed his back against his soft chair. Rudolph also noticed that his master does not want to talk about the topic in hand, so he left the room.

A deeper breath was all that Santa Claus could do. It looks like Santa Claus, the most popular symbol of Christmas in the world, is hesitant to stand up and move. Despite the many years of giving joy to children, he knew that one day there would be people who would complain and hate him.

He also knew the reason why they are pulling him down: someone made a private message to him on Facebook telling him that he was stealing the spotlight from the Infant Jesus; instead of centering the celebration to the Messiah, he himself was the reason of the happiness of the children and the commercialization of Christmas. That is why he ignored Rudolph when he involved Japan. Yes--the Land of the Rising Sun. Christmas is popular there, however, he was the reason behind it. He is THE icon of Christmas in a foreign land. He overlapped the Messiah in the importance of the Japanese; and he is disappointed of it.

Suddenly, he thought of something. He rung the tiny bells to call his reindeers: "Dasher! Dancer! Prancer! Vixen! Comet! Cupid! Donner! Blitzen! Rudolph! Ready the sleigh! We'll go visit someone!"

That night, they went to a cathedral in a nearby town. Santa walked inside the dark, cold, hollow place, and in a nook, he saw a lighted image of Jesus in the manger. There is no other image there. He thought that someone forgot to put this in the right place. He was astonished that there were no lights in it! It seems that a light from above the cathedral that illuminates the image is guiding him to where he was standing.

With guilt from within, he humbly prostrated in prayer upon reaching the image:

"Master, first of all, I would like to thank You for this night that I could visit You. Everything that happens is according to Your will for those who love You--even the campaign of ousting me at this time. May Your will be done. For a long time of reading every child's wish every Christmas, I realized that I am also a child in Your presence; and I have one wish to tell."

The face of the image of Christ looks peaceful, and His eyes are looking towards the light from above.

And Santa continued: "Master, I wish that every man would understand that I am not here to form a barrier against You. I have a happiness that I want to share to others; and You know that You are my true happiness. I am doing this not only because I want to make children happy every Christmas Eve, or to make the family happy in their Santa Claus decorations, and all other reasons. I am here to remind them that if they feel the goodness and happiness I bring, I hope that they would realize that there is a more infinite Goodness and Joy, for You have said: 'No servant is higher than his master." They may not see You in their merry-making, I hope that they may feel You through me while they decorate their homes in my image. I am just like a clown in a birthday party who brings happiness to all; and You are the birthday celebrant. As a clown, the only thing I could give to You is my duty to bring happiness. I ask for Your forgiveness if there are people who misunderstand my intentions for Christmas."

The light vanished, and someone went inside--the sexton. Santa and his reindeers also vanished.

"Mama! Mama! It's beautiful! Can we buy it?...Please...."

It's Christmas shopping again in a mall. Shining lights and figures of angels are everywhere--of course, also those of Santa Claus. But there is something new in their inventory. It seems that the Infant Jesus was satisfied  and He granted Santa's wish that night. Indeed, that is a new figurine--and one of the most meaningful to display this Christmas: an example of humility and of submission that despite of one's popularity, it is God alone who should remain, and it is God alone who should be glorified.

That was the figurine of Santa Claus kneeling in front of the Christ Child.

(Francis Raymund Gonzales is the Overall Moderator of 100% Katolikong Pinoy Online Ministry. The story is the third installment of the "Ningning" Christmas series, which could be viewed here.)