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[av_heading heading=’Be a light to others’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY RHODA CAMPILLAN
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DECEMBER is my favorite month of the year. I always look forward to this month because I am excited to spend my holidays with my family.

When I was a college student, I am always excited for the holidays. I can already see myself riding the fast craft and my father fetching me at the port. And when I arrive home, my mom will cook my favorite lunch.

I also look forward to receiving and opening presents. Among the three of us sisters, I am the most excited of all when it comes to opening gifts. My mom told me that, when I was a kid, even if it was not yet Christmas Eve, I would always find ways to verify what is inside the gift wrapper. My mom said I bore small holes on the gift wrap because I cannot wait for Christmas anymore; I wanted to see my gift already.

Aside from this, I love the look of our home. We have simple decorations. Nothing grand, just a Christmas tree on the side table, a wreath attached to the door and letter cutouts spelled “Merry Christmas” posted on the wall.

Of course, it is a family tradition to complete Simbang Gabi. Together, we wake up at dawn and proceed to the church. After mass, we will buy pandesal and eat breakfast together. For good old Christmas traditions, I am always giddy and thrilled.

Now that I am a mom, I make sure that these traditions are still observed in my own home. We have a modest Christmas tree and colorful lights. My little one’s eyes glow with admiration every time she stares at the lights. And just like Mama, she also looks forward to her presents.

However, if I really come to think of it, the real meaning of the season is not found on these decorations and practices. It is not even on the gifts under the Christmas tree. Several times, I always hear from priests that Christmas is not centered on material things because Jesus is the focal point of the celebration.

How can we make Jesus the center of the celebration? There are countless ways, actually. But during KASANAG — the annual Christmas lighting at the University of San Agustin — I had the idea of being a light to others. During the event, everyone is so happy to see colorful lights shining brightly. The glow in the faces of the spectators is unexplainable. I told myself, “So this is how it feels when everything is bright and happy.” It gave me an idea to ponder on: if Christmas lights bring so much joy to everyone, how much more if I consider myself a light to others?

How can we be a light to others?

Well, as a teacher, you are considered a light if you conscientiously perform your obligations to your students; if you make sure you inspire students to be the best version of themselves, pushing them to their limits. As a mother, you are a light to your home if you show love to your husband and children. If you give them your time and make sure their needs are met, your home will be a happy place. As a friend, you illuminate the lives of your friends if you are true to them and you make sure you are there during their ups and downs.

Doing something good feels good. It feels inspiring to see people smiling and radiating optimism. It makes Christmas a little more special and significant.

And so I still look forward to Christmas Day when I can be with my loved ones, open my gifts and enjoy the celebration.

I will make sure that, this season, I will be a light to others. I will lessen my negative attitudes, if there are any. I will be more patient. I will work harder. I will be an inspiration to my students and colleagues. I will be more loving to my husband and daughter. I will be more grateful to my parents, and I will be extra caring to my friends. Through these small acts, my celebration of Christmas will be more meaningful and exceptional.

I read a quote online, by George McDougall, that best captures the meaning of this piece: “Best of all, Christmas means a spirit of love, a time when the love of God and the love of our fellowmen should prevail over all hatred and bitterness, a time when our thoughts and deeds and the spirit of our lives manifest the presence of God.”/PN
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