Marcos: Serve as a light that brings hope to others

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos called on Filipinos to reflect on living a life filled with meaning and purpose and to serve as a light that brings hope to others as they celebrate the Christmas season.

In his Christmas message, Marcos emphasized the universal appeal of the celebration and the importance of forging a relationship with God and with other people, noting that the occasion provides an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones and to be thankful for one’s blessings.

“To our brothers and sisters in Christian faith, this occasion is a crucial part of our deeply-held beliefs. While it heralds the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior, it also marks the moment we experience the presence of God in its nearest and most intimate form, evoking gratitude, kindness and happiness to one and all,” the President said.

Marcos said such an experience makes the celebration and significance of Christmas transcend the constraints of religion and extend its invitation of joy and thanksgiving to everyone regardless of background.

“As Filipinos take this highly anticipated chance to come home, reconnect with loved ones and relish the blessings of the past year, I call on everyone to reflect on what is truly important: living a life of meaning and purpose,” he said.

“By doing so, may the bustle and spirit of Christmas make love and peace abound in every household and instill in us a deeper appreciation of the strength that comes from our relationship with Christ and each other,” he added.

Marcos also made reference to the star that guided the Magi to the birthplace of Jesus to encourage Filipinos to bring hope to other people.

“In our endeavor to build a ‘Bagong Pilipinas,’ let us then emulate the light that led the wise men to meet the infant in the manger so others may see and experience the hope that the Lord Almighty freely offers to us all. I wish you all a blessed and merry Christmas!” the President said.

Meanwhile, in a video message, President Marcos, First Lady Liza Marcos and their children wished the nation a merry Christmas and a happy new year as they highlighted the Filipino traditions during the Yuletide season.

“The Filipino Christmas is the happiest Christmas in the world. Despite the trials we are facing, we cannot be prevented from celebrating, even if we do so in a simple way,” the Chief Executive said in Filipino.

“It doesn’t need to be grand because wherever we are in the country, regardless of our status, the Filipino Christmas is about love and generosity. For Filipinos, Christmas is about family,” he added.

Liza encouraged Filipinos to visit the Philippines’ attractions, while Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos invited them to view the lights and decorations in their cities and provinces.

Simon suggested visiting the country’s beautiful churches while Vincent encouraged dining with one’s family and friends.

Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte reminded Filipinos that Christmas is a time for forgiveness and charity.

In her Christmas message, Duterte stressed that the birth of Jesus Christ is a message of forgiveness and represents the “unmatched love of God for everyone.”

“Let us look at Jesus Christ as our inspiration in fellowship, especially with our family and loved ones,” the Vice President said in Filipino.

Duterte said Filipinos should also look beyond the material things they receive and extend understanding, respect and love for each other, especially for the sick and needy.

“This is the true nature of this season and this serves as a reminder for all of us, not only this December but in all times. Again, I extend my warmest greetings to every Filipino wherever they may be in this world,” she said.

Unity

House Speaker Martin Romualdez urged the Filipino people yesterday to keep united and work together for a better future.

In his Christmas message, Romuladez encouraged the people to pause and remember the challenges that the country and its people faced together as 2024 has not been an easy year, especially for those who experienced loss and hardships following the calamities that struck the country.

“From devastating typhoons and calamities that tested our resilience to the political noise and conflicts that sought to divide us, the Filipino spirit of unity, compassion and faith has remained steadfast,” Romualdez said.

He cited that a Christmas of unity would bring the Filipinos to triumph amid serious challenges such as typhoons and other calamities.

“In these difficult times, we have witnessed countless acts of kindness and bayanihan that inspire and strengthen our community. Guided by God’s grace and the unwavering resilience of the Filipino people, we have overcome many challenges together,” he added.

He further stressed that Christmas reminds the people of what truly matters – faith, family and compassion.

“The true spirit of Christmas is not measured in material things, but in giving hope, love and unity,” he added.

He further stated that Christmas also calls on the people “to share our blessings, our time and our hearts,” calling on the people to “give thanks even for the smallest blessings and pray for those who are still striving toward a better tomorrow.”

“As we prepare to welcome the New Year, let us hold on to the promise of a brighter future. We can fulfill an orderly, progressive and peaceful Philippines through our unity and cooperation,” Romualdez further stated, calling on the Filipinos to “work for a better future, guided by hope, unity and faith in one another.”

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. urged yesterday the Filipino people to keep the military in their prayers for their patriotism and sacrifices amid challenges to the country’s security and sovereignty.

“Let us also keep in our prayers the brave men and women in uniform who, despite being away from their families, selflessly stand guard to protect the peace and freedom we enjoy today,” Teodoro said in his Christmas message.

“Their sacrifices remind us of the importance of patriotism and unity, especially amidst challenges to our nation’s security and sovereignty,” he said.

The secretary said Christmas is a symbol of hope and a time to reflect on the blessings received and extend that same hope to those in need.

“Many of our fellow Filipinos continue to face hardships caused by recent calamities and I urge everyone to uphold the spirit of bayanihan by offering compassion, support and generosity to help rebuild their lives,” he said.

Jesus Christ

Fr. Roy Bellen, Archdiocese of Manila (RCAM) Office of Communications director, said Christmas is a time for people to remember that Jesus Christ was born into the world like any person and experienced life, strengthening the faithful’s connection to Him because they know that when they pray, He listens and could understand their sufferings and problems.

“Religiously speaking, in a way, we remind ourselves that God became man and it is really important that we always remember God and the God that became man. It reminds us that the Lord knows how we feel. It is not ‘You do not understand, you are very far from us.’ But thinking that God also became man, you know that He can relate to our needs, the sadness that we are going through,” he said. — Neil Jayson Servallos, Jose Rodel Clapano, Pia Lee-Brago, Evelyn Macairan