'Belen most important Christmas decor'

MANILA, Philippines - Before putting up that Christmas tree, allow a space for a traditional Belen in your homes.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) yesterday said the Belen, which shows the birth of Jesus Christ, should be the primary decoration in homes this Yuletide season.                                                                         

“The best decoration for Christmas is the Belen. It should be Christ centered. If you take away the Belen from Christmas, your Christmas would be meaningless,” said CBCP Media Office director Monsignor Pedro Quitorio III.

He encouraged the faithful to create a Belen if they cannot buy one.

“You don’t have to buy a Belen…You can be creative, just do not lose focus on the Belen…You can do it anyway you want,” he said.                                                                

According to Catholic tradition, Jesus was born in a manger in Bethlehem some 2,000 years ago. An angel then appeared to shepherds to announce his birth. In the stable, they found Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus. Three wise men from the East also visited Him bearing gifts of gold, incense and myrrh.