Noy: Remember the essential gifts

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino yesterday reminded Filipinos about the essential gifts that could not be wrapped this Christmas: God’s everlasting love, selflessness, honesty and concern for others.

In his Christmas message, Aquino said Filipinos are known to have the longest Christmas celebration in the world, with the excitement building up as early as September because of gifts given and received and feasts to be shared with the family.

“But Christmas’ true meaning can’t be boxed in gifts, in lavish banquets or colorful decorations. In the middle of our celebrations, let us remember the stories about Christmas,” he said.

Aquino said Christmas was about the birth of Jesus to save humanity from sin, the strangers’ opening of doors for Joseph and Mary, the parents of Jesus, so they could spend the night in a manger, the three kings who traveled a long way just to offer their gifts to the Holy Child and, most of all, God’s eternal love for His children.

The President said this season was an opportune time to be thankful for everything that the country had achieved with the cooperation of the people.

“In behalf of the whole government, I thank all Filipinos who contributed to the formation of a culture of honesty and deep concern for others,” he said.

Because of extraordinary strides along the straight path, Aquino said Christmas has become more meaningful for Filipinos.

The President said the people remain the strength of the government.

“It is clear: Every grain of success we harvest is from the hard work planted by the people. You, our bosses, made this happen,” he said.

Aquino added that all these gains mirror the true meaning of Christmas: giving, humility and love for others.

“We have proven to the world over and over again: Christmas in the Philippines is unique because of our readiness to become the light to our fellowmen, not only during Christmas but in the everyday treading of the straight path,” he said.