THE NINTH DAY OF MISA DE GALLO

For nine consecutive days, Filipinos from different walks of life flock to Catholic Churches to participate in one of the country’s distinct Christmas traditions—attending the Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo. Now, as Christmas approaches, the people are at the ninth and final day of this tradition, with the gospel reading taken from Luke. When the clock struck five o'clock, the final Misa de Gallo began on the Cultural Center of the Philippines' Main Building Ramp.

Written by: Aneesa Quintos Puno

Layout by: Monzam Wang

December 24, 2022 | 4:08 P.M.

Today, December 24, 2022, at 5 AM, the ninth day of Misa de Gallo was presided over by Rev. Fr. Paolo Asprer, SSP. The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), in cooperation with the Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, sponsored the Simbang Gabi. While it was held on-site, the mass was also live-streamed on CCP's Facebook page and YouTube channel.

“More than our love for God, our devotion for God, our service, and sacrifice for God, is God’s love for us,” Fr. Paolo emphasized.

Fr. Paolo went on to say that it is because of His love that people are showered with blessings of hope, unity, healing, and new beginnings.

Christmas is a gift of embarking on new beginnings

After the Lord, the best gift, according to Fr. Paolo, is the gift of a “new you.” This season can be a chance for people to renew their perspectives and rebuild relationships not only for themselves but also for God, others, and their loved ones.

Christmas is joy

More than pursuing happiness, which humans get from earthly things especially this season, Fr. Paolo reminded everyone to seek joy, which is a gift from God and is lasting. Even amid difficulties and troubles, joy persists, just as His presence does.

“Presence, not presents,” Fr. Paolo articulated. He spoke of God’s gift equating to His presence; hence God’s presence is the reason for one's joy.

People's joy this Christmas should be centered not only on the wrapped gifts but also on the presence of God, their families, and their arms wrapped around each other.

Christmas is a decision

“Bukod sa kaloob ng Diyos, ang Pasko ay isang desisyon,” (Aside from God’s gift, Christmas is a decision) Fr. Paolo said. It is deciding to put one’s happiness where it truly belongs—making others happy in hopes of being happy as well.

If people want to be happy this season, they should make people happy. “We do not only allow joy to happen to us; we make joy happen,” Fr. Paolo highlighted.

Christmas is a perspective

A person's life perspective is vital. A joyful person, for instance, does not regard sadness as an enemy, as Fr. Paolo mentioned. Sadness accompanies happiness. People can go through adversity and still find true joy in life. With that, Fr. Paolo brought to mind that this Christmas, celebrations should be both joyful and meaningful.