This year Marissa and I have had the privilege of celebrating Christmas with our family in Cebu, Philippines. The anniversary of Jesus birth is a very big event here indeed. If you think the Christmas decorations and music start too soon in the United States, you will be amazed to see trees, lights and music playing the old familiar yule tide joy beginning in September here amongst these 7,200 Islands.
You see Filipino’s start their holiday’s in the “Ber” months. September, October, November and December.
Although the Philippines is predominantly Catholic, their form of Catholicism is much different from that of the United States. They appear to me to be more evangelical and active in their love of Jesus and celebration of his birth, death, resurrection, and return to earth.
Nine days before Christmas, Filipino’s go to church at 4 am every morning. I was imagining what it would be like back in the U.S. if I announced after Thanksgiving that in the nine days before Christmas we would be having a daily morning service at 4 am at our church. I think it is safe to say that there would not be anyone there. Perhaps 1 or 2 the first day or two but after the reality of waking at that time of morning hit those two souls, the other seven days I would be alone at church. And let me be honest here, at 4 am the only reason that I would rise that early to come down to church is because I am the pastor.
We are just not so dedicated to our Savior in America as they are in the Philippines, sorry but this is true. Yes there is allot of religion and the playing of church here. Some go to mass strictly out of duty and not for love. The majority though just love the Lord and want to celebrate His coming to earth at Bethlehem 2,000 years ago.
Early every morning, just shortly after the hundreds of rooster begin to crow, there will be groups of men and women who walk from house to house in each barangay or neighborhood, to sing Christmas carols. This wonderful event happens throughout the day and late into every night every in December.
Last night the entire neighborhood set aside all of their business and work to take a few hours to participate in a neighborhood block party. At every Filipino party there is always much singing and dancing. You would be surprised to learn that most of the songs that are sung here are from well known American singers and artists. Pinoy’s know more about American music and the actual lyrics to the songs, than most Americans who grew up on those songs.
A Filipino may not be able to speak perfect English, but you can rest assured that they know word for word many English songs, and they can sing each one on key.
The city of Cebu, as well as in the capital of Manila, have the most beautiful and largest malls that I have ever seen anywhere on earth. They are up to 6 stories high and go on and on as if there is no end to the stores and shops. They are meticulously clean, and decorated to the hilt with the most beautiful Christmas trees, lights and colors of the season.
I have been trying very hard to get into the Christmas spirit. I mean how hard can it be when it all starts in September? It is difficult though, coming from America where Christmas season is synonymous with snow and cold weather. Here in Cebu the daily temperature is about 85 degrees. The water temperature in the crystal clear oceans around Cebu are also about 85 degrees. Last week when we were on Bantayan Island, Marissa and I took some time to skin dive in the beautiful aquamarine waters. Being that it is warm here year round, it is a tad difficult for me to completely be immersed in the Christmas spirit when it still feels like summer in December.
It is about 8:30 am here in Talisay, Cebu and the family is off to do some last minute Christmas shopping before this evening when they will all participate in a gift exchange. Last week, each member of the family drew another member of the families name to which they would purchase just one gift with a minimum cost of 200 peso’s, or about four dollars. It is not the price of the gifts given here that is dear to those receiving them, it is the Love behind those gifts that is most precious. Here in the Philippines, Christmas is still experienced in the wonderful spirit of remembering the one who gave up all He had for each one of us, so that we could posess everything.
On the anniversary of Jesus birth, Marissa and I and our entire family wish to all of you and your families, a glorious day of true joy and wonderful love as you remember how much your Father in Heaven loves you. That He would give to every person His only Son, so that whosoever would believe on the Name of Jesus would have eternal life.
The Lord Bless you immensely this Christmas Season,
Rob and Marissa Robinson
