“I’m dreamin’ of a white Christmas, just like the ones I used to know…”
The early morning music played as I turned the radio on shortly after the 4 a.m. sign on last weekend.
I hummed the tune as the music continued until the end.
But my thoughts were reverted back to the gnawing reality as the news headline after the song revealed the raging toll in lives and property caused by Typhoon Odette, not only in the eastern side Mindanao, Samar, Leyte, Bohol, Cebu and Palawan were massive but also in Negros, particularly in southern communities, where the grim figures are just as high.
Today, as the relief and recovery efforts are going on, officials plead for water, food and other supplies and materials for the reconstruction of thousands of houses which were flattened or heavily damaged by Odette’s fury.
Communication and power lines have been toppled, resulting in service disruptions and the prospects of facing dark and silent nights on Christmas and even until New Year’s eve has become a here-and-now reality for many.
Let us pray that the true spirit of Christmas will give hope and salvation to those who celebrate that bright night more than 2,000 years ago when Jesus Christ was born in a lowly manger and angels announced to shepherds tending their flock about the birth of the Saviour of mankind, the Mighty God and the Prince of Peace.
“The first Noel, the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay…” the church choir sang in a radio broadcast on Sunday, followed by the carol, “Hark, the herald angels sing glory to the newborn king…”
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Christmas is truly a touching occasion for it is felt in the heart and manifested in the spirit of sharing and giving, especially among those who have come to know their Saviour and Redeemer.
And it is nostalgic, as we look back to unforgettable moments, like that white Christmas that literally engulfed me when I lived in the U.S. Midwest as a graduate student in one of the most beautiful campuses in North America.
Everyday during winter I was fascinated by the blanket of thick snow all over the massive campus, especially at the Quad, located in the heart of the university.
Daily temperature at below 0 degree was strange and almost uncomfortable even when I was under layers of warm clothing.
A freezing Christmas away from home could be uncomfortable but it can be lonely.
“Christmas without snow?” my U.S. and European friends would ask me, their questions followed by the interjection, “Unthinkable!”
But their disbelief would be transformed to wonder and apparent amazement when I affirmed the snow-less holiday but explained I spend Christmas by the beach, under the swaying leaves of coconut trees as I watch the magnificent sunsets and get an envied Pacific tan.
“Wow, that’s differently great,” they said.
Indeed, nothing compares with the spirit of Christmas amidst a familiar setting and being close to our loved ones, although there’s nothing wrong with thinking about white Christmases, just like the one many of us know now and then.
A blessed Christmas, one filled with hope, to everyone! – NWI
