Christmas wish

GIVEN the unsure situation the world is facing today, we are looking for some sort of a sign this Christmas—something that could calm our fears about what lies ahead. Times may be difficult, but Christmas and its spirit of love, faith and hope will always endure. It’s that time of the year—when war, conflict, political differences, disputes and ill wishes come to a grinding halt, replaced by warm tidings of love, hope, peace and generosity.
For Pres. Benigno Aquino III, “this is the time for reunions. This is the time to bond with each other and also commune with God, and we are re-energized for all of the challenges in the coming years.” Aquino wishes Filipinos to have a peaceful, clam and optimistic Christmas celebration.
Meanwhile, Pres. Barack Obama and the first family arrived in Hawaii on Saturday, Dec. 19 to celebrate their annual Christmas vacation. But before heading to Hawaii, Obama and First Lady Michelle stopped by in Southern California to console the loved ones of the victims of the San Bernardino shooting, where a married couple opened fire on the husband’s co-workers at a workplace holiday party. At least 14 people were killed in the shooting.
“You had people from every background, every faith. Some described loved ones who had come to this country as immigrants, others who had lived in the area all their lives, all of them extraordinarily proud of the work they were doing to keep people healthy and safe” Obama shared. “As difficult as this time is for them and for the entire community, they’re also representative of the strength and the unity and the love that exists in this community and in this country.”
With less than a year left in office, Obama vowed to focus on the US-led campaign to defeat IS. “Since taking this office, I’ve never been more optimistic about a year ahead than I am right now,” he said. “And in 2016, I’m going to leave it out all on the field.”
Earlier this month, Obama also listed down the top 10 things that happened in 2015.
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Not just for spreading holiday cheer—but also for list makers. You’ve got wish lists; Santa’s list; and of course, a blizzard of year-in-review lists. So I decided to get in on the action,” Obama said.
Among the country’s recent achievements included in the President’s list are the positive performance of the economy, more Americans getting health coverage, and the US-led campaign on climate change and terrorism.
The President said that it’s been a good year and that he is confident of bigger things in the new year.
“And the number one reason I’m optimistic going into 2016: It’s you—the American people. All of this progress is because of you—because of workers rolling up their sleeves and getting the job done, and entrepreneurs starting new businesses. Because of teachers and health workers and parents—all of us taking care of each other. Because of our incredible men and women in uniform, serving to protect us all. Because, when we’re united as Americans, there’s nothing that we cannot do,” Obama concluded.
So as we look for answers, and as we try to search for Christmas and its true meaning in these troubled times, we must be reminded that our focus should not be on what we don’t have today. Christ was born in a manger, with hardly any possessions. And yet His birth is a symbol of hope for all Christians.
Christmas is also about sharing more than material things. It is embracing its true meaning, and knowing that it should always be in our hearts. (AJPress)