Tag: Faith

When Christmas season hits the Philippines, the streets light up—but so does the crime rate. Pickpockets, scams, and snatchers suddenly multiply. Why? Because in a season meant for love, people chase money instead.

We rush to buy, to impress, to give gifts we can’t afford. Some even steal or cheat just to keep up with expectations. Ninongs and ninangs—once spiritual guides—turn into gift machines. It’s a sad trade: we remember everyone except the One we’re supposed to celebrate.

You can’t miss it. Every tarp screams “SALE,” every post says “Shop Now.” Yet rarely do you see “Give Love” or even a simple “Happy Birthday, Jesus.” The malls glow brighter than churches, and devotion becomes an optional errand between discounts.

Ironically, during Holy Week—when the country pauses to pray—crime almost disappears. That silence shows the difference between celebration and distraction. When Christ is the center, peace follows. When He’s forgotten, chaos fills the space.

Christmas hasn’t lost its magic. We just changed its direction. Maybe this year, we can light the candles again—not for the gifts we’ll get, but for the love we’ve long ignored.

⌨ ᴛʸᵖⁱⁿᵍ ᴏᵘᵗ ᵒᶠ ᵗʰᵉ ʙˡᵘᵉ ᵈᵃʳᵉᵐ ᵐᵘˢⁱᶜ ᵇˡᵒᵍ