Christmas Cheer

We are a people who never fail to rank high in global studies on the happiness index.

And during Christmas time, we Filipinos, the biggest Catholic population in Asia, are extra cheerful.

Our high tolerance level and penchant for humor even in the grimmest of situations shines through in this season of joy, giving, hope and togetherness.

Enemies become friends, friends re-connect ties, ties are strengthened, and in the company of friends and family, everything easily appears rosy.

All that is of course well and good.

But at the same time, the celebrations – with all the affectionate gree-tings, food binging, drinking and gift-giving – must not disengage us from the hounding economic and political issues that press for solutions.

The parties and the rush for Christmas shopping must not blind us from the reality that there is persistent poverty; warm Christmas wishes must not obscure our eyes from seeing that there is continuing corruption.

After all, Jesus Christ, the focal point of the season’s festivities, lived a life exemplifying not just plain forgiveness and ignorant bliss.

Jesus was among the pioneers of the concept of a moral revolution in society.

So as we celebrate the birthday of Jesus, we must not forget that the baby born in a manger would grow up into a man who called for principled changes and advocated social justice.

A happy and meaningful Christmas to all.

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