By Farah G. Decano

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HOW can the essence of love and authentic joy take root in the Filipino spirit when our deepest selves are seemingly consumed by a rising tide of hatred, profound despair, and debilitating self-pity?

​We must not be blamed for this overwhelming darkness that now permeates our collective soul. Countless Filipinos have seen loved ones tragically lost to catastrophes that were not merely natural but preventable—had our elected officials not embezzled the necessary funds. An immeasurable number of our countrymen have endured much suffering because of the deliberate lack of medical care, food security, and basic public order, the very resources stolen by those meant to serve us. The citizenry is rendered miserable by the calculated erosion of their fundamental entitlements and the scarcity of opportunities.

How can Filipinos not fear for their posterity, for the devastation into which their children and grandchildren are born? Meanwhile, the same politicians and their progeny luxuriate in utterly unearned privilege.

Do we not remember the image of those young individuals on social media, indulging in a single meal priced at an astounding P700,000-plus? This obscenity unfolds as the rest of the nation is cynically advised to find happiness in a meager P500.00 Noche Buena budget.

​Indeed, the surging moral revulsion directed toward our governing officials is not only understandable but entirely justified.

​Given this visceral negativity, how can we even contemplate celebrating the sacred holidays?

​Shall we permit these betrayers to perpetrate another theft—to steal the supposed Christmas in our hearts?

Must we drown in despair, anger, self-pity, and hopelessness?

​No. We absolutely must not concede this.

​We must never let our righteous rage become the poison that consumes us. Instead, let us perpetually amplify our voices against corruption. We are morally obligated to take decisive action against government abuses.

​We need not descend to the level of the societal monsters we are sworn to fight. We must resist the temptation to devolve into heartless, predatory creatures driven only by vengeance.

​Let us pause.

​Inhale the strength of conviction.

​Exhale the toxic dust of despair.

​Again.

​Reflect on the Supreme Consciousness—the image from which our being is fashioned. We must fiercely resist becoming the moral aberrations we so passionately detest, regardless of the rock-bottom existence we are currently forced to endure.

​So, how do we successfully navigate this inner turmoil—ignited by our cruel environment and the unforgivable perfidy of our leaders—so that we may truly evacuate the hatred from our core and permit the light of love, peace, and joy to finally take dominion?

​With this profound evil done to us, only His grace can enable us to truly welcome the Christmas spirit. Grace is the transcendent, supernatural gift, unmerited yet bestowed upon us, designed to empower us to move through life with fortitude and in accordance with divine law.

​Let us pray for God’s grace so we can secure ourselves against the suffocating cloud of negativity that hovers over our beloved country.

God bless us all.  May we be able to cleanse our hearts so the true spirit of Christmas may finally find sanctuary in us.