December 24, 2019, a powerful typhoon, Typhoon Phanfone (locally called Ursula), hit Aklan, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding that disrupted many people’s holiday celebrations. We were unable to attend Mass because we thought it had been canceled. However, the late Primate Ricardo M. Alcaraz still held the Mass after the church was cleaned, and the celebration continued. For him, despite what had happened, thanking God was what mattered most.
The Giant Christmas Tree during the opening of lights
The lighting of the Christmas tree and lights at the Capitol on December 16, 2019, was good. People stopped to admire the beauty of the giant Christmas tree; everyone looked up and mesmerized, but just eight days later, it was destroyed and fell. The once majestic tree was ruined, and the magical sight that had captured everyone’s hearts was gone, leaving nothing left to look up to.
I was awed and bewildered because of all the days in December, why did Ursula landfall on Christmas Eve? Was it merely a cruel coincidence that it ruined the Christmas celebration, or was there something deeper at play, beyond our understanding?
We know that the Christmas tree is one of the symbols of Christmas, and every time we see it, it reminds us that the Christmas season is near. But what is the true significance of the Christmas tree?
From the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas”, it says, “On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, a partridge in a pear tree” which represents Jesus Christ.
When I learned that the Christmas tree had been destroyed, I couldn’t help but wonder, were the hearts of the people broken too? I mean, they had gazed up at that giant tree for so many days, cherishing its beauty, and in just one night, it was gone. It reminded me of Jesus. He spent His life preaching, teaching, healing the sick, and casting out demons. The disciples and the people looked up to Him, yet after the night of betrayal, He was taken from them.
Scripture reminds us that the enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy. But what is he really after? Why did this strike on Christmas Eve, a time when hearts and homes were filled with hope, joy, and preparation for celebration?
Satan seeks to kill our faith, the faith that believes God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, promising eternal life to all who believe. He wants to steal our joy, the joy of celebrating God’s gift and the bonds of the family, and lastly, to destroy the very purpose of Christmas, the remembrance of God’s love and salvation.
After that event, the lesson I learned remained deeply in my heart. Over the years, I felt a growing urge to share it, but I kept hesitating, thinking it was just a passing thought. Yet, every Christmas season, it would return, gently reminding me of its importance. And now, at last, I am ready to share it.
Thank you, Lord!
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