DESPITE the many challenges, including the paralyzing COVID-19 pandemic,that continue to confront the Philippines and the rest of the world, the Filipino people ought to remain optimistic.
No less than President Rodrigo Duterte acknowledged that 2020 has been a tough and difficult year for all of us, but he told the people not to lose hope and instead look forward to new opportunities.
And in the view of various quarters, including the ordinary citizens across this impoverished Southeast Asian nation, there’s that urgent need to transform adversities into opportunities.
The Chief Executive from Mindanao, whose six-year presidency ends at 12 noon on June 30, 2022, said the Christmas season should serve as a reminder to all of us that there’s always hope.
“When we find ourselves on the verge of despair and hopelessness, let us turn to the narrative of the birth of Christ…in a manger. It reminds us that we should always have hope, even in darkness, poverty and suffering,” said Duterte.
He said the Filipino people should find inspiration from our Lord Jesus Christ who,as the child in the manger more than 2000 years ago, brought light to Bethlehem and to the whole of humanity.
“May that light bring love and cheer to everyone, not only to our families and friends, but also to our front liners, those who lost loved ones, and those who are most in need,” the President said.
Note that this year’s Christmas celebration is different from the previous years as the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to terrorize people across the globe, has restricted our movement.
Hopefully, the spirit of the Christmas Season should not end with the holding of the Feast of the Epiphany, otherwise known as “Three Kings’ Day,” which falls on the first Sunday of January.
Admittedly, many of us forget the true meaning of the Christmas spirit – hope, love, understanding, helping and goodwill – after the holidays.
Nakakalungkot naman!
