The city is extra colorful and bright this time of year because of all the Christmas lights and decor. Of course it can also really be frustrating to be out because of the Christmas rush and traffic jams. But last Saturday, Kayo, the kids and I found ourselves walking the streets (and underpasses) of Makati.
We really only ventured out to try to get some gift shopping done. But because we got stuck in the car longer than expected, we decided to relax first and simply enjoy each others company. We dropped by The Curator in Legazpi Village for a much needed coffee break and as expected, we thoroughly enjoyed what we had. Aside from the coffee, we also had a glass of their refreshingly delicious ginger soda.
Afterwards we walked all the way to Ayala Triangle to watch the light show. Summer and Emma were both wide eyed in awe and wonder at the dancing lights. I love watching my kids when they’re like that because I delight in their happiness and also because I begin to see things with fresh new eyes. Lights are just lights. We see the same stuff every year. But what makes it different each time is the understanding that we’re celebrating a new beginning.
Christmas is never really the same each year. This one is particularly different because of what our brothers and sisters in the Visayas have just experienced. We try to do our preparations and festivities the same way but without us saying it, we’re all thinking about them and sometimes even questioning ourselves if we should even be celebrating. But we ought to. I realize that there is much more reason to. We mourn with those who mourn but we also give hope by pointing them to the One who really saves. And we simply cannot accomplish that without being joyful. You cannot light a lamp and then hide it under a bed. You put it on a stand and let it light the entire room (Matthew 5:15)! We simply cannot refrain from being joyful. We must spread it! This is what makes my Christmas – our Christmas – different and meaningful this year.
As we were walking down Ayala Ave last weekend and showing the kids the bright lights adorning the road, all these things filled my thoughts. And I pray that for the next few days leading to Christmas day, and even the New Year, my disposition would be of hope and gladness. May everything we do as a family, whether we’re shopping for presents, braving the Manila traffic to visit family or sharing meals with friends, be done with the sincerest love. Though our celebration is simple, may our love shine full and bright, and somehow, speak hope and gladness to others.
I pray the same for you and your family. Enjoy the remaining days towards Christmas day and shine brightly for people to see and be blessed. You have every reason to! 😀
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