Our simple, unconditional works of love add up among other bright lights shining some dark corners. Dedicate to timeless works of love starting with our simple prayers at dawn until the fulfilment of any activity or call of our day.
~ Angelica Hopes, Significant Thoughts for Christmas
Today, December 16, is the start of Simbang Gabi, one of the most unique devotional nine-day series of Masses practised by my Filipino compatriots to honour the Blessed Virgin Mary in the anticipation of Christmas. Simbang Gabi means Night Mass and it is held from today, December 16 to December 24. Many devoted churchgoers wake up as early as four o’clock in the morning because the Mass is celebrated at five a.m. In the early morning of these nine Night Masses, are enriched with Filipino native foods and the cheerful camaraderie among friends who pass to fetch at each other’s house or neighbours as they walk in slightly cold pre-dawn warmed by their laughter or non-stop sharing of stories on their way to the church.
For many who are far and away from one’s native land or dearest families, they hold a nostalgic meaning and memories of Christmas in their heart:
Christmas carols in the air fill one’s senses with festive flare.
Holly wreaths by the door, circle of love in a familiar home.
Reindeers of Santa Claus, travel with gifts for the kids’ delight.
I, for one hope for something that only one can fill from within,
a heart whispers night after night.
Snow in a winter land, sea shore in one’s dream land.
Tinkering silver bells, gleeful sound: Rings of hope in an inner child’s hidden heart.
Mistletoe, red trimmings & glitters, warm kisses shared under it,
you bet this one never had one in life.
Advent of Jesus’ birthday always fill a heart of joy,
Spirit of hope and love shared with love ones we care most.
In a far and away winter land,
Nestles a waiting heart of a new found Christmas.
Over the years, Christmases passed with its falls of nostalgic pain
and now a desert.
Uncovers at last her first real happy Christmas yet more to come.
Renaissance of new memories unfolding right in a new found free spirit.
Hear a joyful heart singing but from the inner crest beats
a deep longing of missing,
Endless hope for a real love, found and patiently blooming!
Across the globe, many long for peace and hope for a better living.
Ringing with tune for all: love, peace starts from within our hearts, our family.
Twinkling star of each night, be our guide into another bright new start.
Spirit of a true Christmas: peace, love and joy for all mankind.
~ Christmas in our Hearts, an acrostic poem, an excerpt from my poetry book, Rhythm of a Heart, Music of a Soul
Photo Credit: 5thandstate.blogspot.nl
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