MESSAGE

I sincerely convey my heartfelt greetings to the Bukas Loob sa Diyos (BLD) Global Community as we journey together towards a meaningful celebration of the Season of Christmas. In this season, as the world is captivated by fleeting euphoria and glee, may we never stray from its true significance. Jesus Christ is the only inexhaustible light that brings joy and fulfillment.

His Holiness Pope Francis has emphasized the centrality of Jesus Christ in the history of salvation in his recent Apostolic Exhortation Admirabile Signum. Issued on 1 December 2019, the Holy Father stressed the meaning and significance of the nativity scene or the creche. The first paragraph of the apostolic exhortation indeed captures the spirit of the Christmas Season:

The enchanting image of the Christmas creche, so dear to the Christian people, never ceases to arouse amazement and wonder. The depiction of Jesus’ birth is itself a simple and joyful proclamation of the mystery; of the Incarnation of the Son of God. The nativity scene is like a living Gospel rising up from the pages of sacred Scripture. (AS, 1)

Inthis age of consumerism, our world has the propensity to lose its focus on greater values that genuinely matter. As such, Our Holy Father Pope Francis proposes that this “beautiful family tradition of preparing the nativity scene in the days before Christmas” be constantly observed and allow “the custom of setting it up in the workplace, in schools, hospitals, prisons and town squares.” (AS, 1)

This important Christian tradition reminds us that the Season of Christmas is a “spiritual journey” that gathers us together to witness the “humility of the God who became man in order to encounter every man and woman. We come to realize that so great is his love for us that he became one of us, so that we in turn might become one with him.” (AS, 1)

It is only in contemplating the humility of our Lord Jesus that we encounter him without pomp and grandeur. While He appears to us draped in swaddling clothes, hidden in the simplicity of the manger, he comes to us as pure love.

As you joyfully await our Lord Jesus’ birth this Christmas Season, I pray that you and your families will receive the grace of peace and fulfillment.

Sincerely in Christ,
REYNALDO G. EVANGLISTA, D.D.
Bishop of Imus
BLD Global Assistant Spiritual Director