A Christmas Gift to Japan
By Fr Philip Ilio Bonifacio
Christmas International Mass 2013, Matsudo Parish, Fr Philip in center
As December starts, people put their Christmas trees up, illumine their houses with Christmas lights and other decorations to create the ambiance of the Christmas season. In the Philippines, people gather in small groups for the evening caroling or daigon, going from house to house using improvised musical instruments. People are excited by the Misa de Gallo. We delight with fireworks greeting the night as we do the count down. It is the favorite time of the year for children as they await their gifts from ninongs and ninangs. Our Christmas comes alive with all the sharing and giving.
I used to think that the spirit of Christmas was the same in every part of the world.