The reason for the season

Tayo ay magmahalan

Ating sundin ang gintong aral

At magbuhat ngayon

Kahit hindi Pasko ay magbigayan

These are some of the lyrics to what may be the most well-known and well-loved Christmas carol in our country. Composed by National Artist for Music and Literature Levi Celerio, "Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit" talks about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love and caring that we should give to one another even if it is not Christmas time.

Indeed. Today’s world is so full of materialism and capitalism that most of us have almost forgotten the real essence of our existence. We have all been caught up in our endless quest for power and prosperity, for fame and fortune, that we have lost touch with what’s happening around us. Just look at what’s happening in our country now. Endless political bickering due to selfish ambitions have slowed down whatever economic benefits our country may have gained during this past year. Instead of buckling down to work and concentrate on getting our country out of the quagmire that it is in, our politicians resort to mudslinging in their constant pursuit for power. I commend our President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for not allowing herself to be distracted by the opposition’s endless tirades. Instead, she has continued to concentrate on doing her job rather than engage the opposition in verbal attacks.

Realizing that a lot of her countrymen need a helping hand, the President set out and launched recently, the "Malacañang to Mayon Mercy Mission" to help our countrymen adversely affected by recent typhoons Reming and Senyang. The caravan, comprised of more than 200 vehicles from government agencies and private organizations, brought much needed relief goods to the typhoon-ravaged areas in Bicol and the Visayas. Taking the cue from their Chief Executive, government agencies cancelled their usual Christmas parties and, instead, channeled the appropriated funds to noteworthy socio-civic organizations. The GSIS’ Board of Trustees, for instance, has already gone to the Missionaries of Charity in Tayuman and distributed numerous boxes of grocery items, medical supplies, clothes and toys for the patients. They have also held a Christmas party for the Daughters of St. Mary Leuca. With the kind assistance of the Rotary Club of Midtown Quezon City District 3780, the Board of Trustees treated the children to a sumptuous meal and gave out gifts and grocery items. Meanwhile, more than 500 orphans from different orphanages were treated to a day of fun and thrills at the Star City. The children had a memorable day trying out all the rides while the Board of Trustees and their staff played their yayas. The children were also treated to a wonderful meal and, at the end of the day, were given gifts.

These are just a few examples of how hard the President tries to live up to the responsibility given her and, somehow, these selfless acts teach us not to look at the President as someone who exploits the power that she wields. Being in the position that she is in, we should rather view her as a harbinger of hope. A conduit where we can channel our collective efforts and help us bring into fruition our dreams and aspirations to finally become a progressive nation. Instead of trying to bring her down, we should guide and help her navigate our country towards attaining real progress. Many people are clamoring for her ouster. Do we have a better alternative? Do we have someone who can do a better job than what she is doing now? Let’s take a look at our situation objectively. The value of our peso is strengthening. Because of the reforms the government is instituting, there is renewed investor confidence. As a result, more jobs are being created which will ultimately translate into food for more Filipino families. Despite her faults, the President is doing her best and, like it or not, may be our country’s best hope at the moment.

As stated in Matthew 1:23, "The Virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel – which means ‘God with us.’" So how come the people are always fighting, restless and agitated when God Himself is with us? Created us in His image and put His mind in us? What a pity! We hope and pray that the Spirit of this Season will serve as the reason and inspiration for us to set aside our own personal ambitions and selflessly devote our efforts to the more important task of nation-building.