The “ber months”

What indicates the arrival of the ebullient season for us is the very first day of September!

Perhaps we have seen how the country transforms into a Christmas getaway, total with carols blown nearby the gentle cold wind, normally originating from the closest establishment. Radio and television programs already play Christmas songs making the feel even more near holiday season. Like a light switch, the air moves on the first day of September and lasts even past December.  These "ber months”, running from September to December, are the point at which the fun begins and when the commencement to the long Christmas starts!

Days before September, some of us have much expectation signaling the coming of the Christmas season. September, in reality, denotes the start of a long Christmas festivity in our country. Everybody is simply too glad to see and hear a commonplace voice that fills the air that consummately goes with the cold breeze that this season is known for.

Even if it’s months before Christmas, we anticipate for its coming as if we celebrate the season for five months including January of next year. Even if we still have significant activities prior to Christmas, one is the All Souls’ Day, yet this is how we celebrate Christmas.

Although it is also the signal of heavy traffic as people get to be busier and more uneasy while streets tend to become more congested with traffic here and there, the proliferation of Christmas items which by the way a sign of profuse commercialization.

During the "ber months," regardless of how many obstructions we have encountered from the beginning of the year until now, we plan to work things out. As we state, Christmas is the main time to bring a dysfunctional family under one roof for food, sharing love and celebrating together as one.

Filipinos abroad make plans during this time to go back home to the Philippines to spend time with their families. Many would have stayed where they live, but many would say that they feel the warmth of Christmas if they would spend it in our country. They feel what Christmas truly means when in the Philippines.

It is in waiting that we expect something new, which is better, nicer, and happier. It is in the days, weeks and months before the actual day that would make one prepared for the better and not only be contend of the status quo.

Furthermore, it is in waiting that there is tolerance. It isn't just the capacity to pause however it's the manner by which we behave while waiting. Whatever we are waiting for – peace of mind, happiness, grace, the inner consciousness of basic plenitude - it will definitely come to us, yet just when we are prepared to get it with an open and appreciative heart.

The scriptures contain numerous accounts of individuals who held up years or even a long time before the Lord's promises happened. What we can gain from the persistence of biblical saints like Abraham, Joseph, David, and Paul is that holding up upon the Lord has interminable rewards. We should be prepared now for His coming, and beyond.

There is magic in Christmas. It is silent. We don’t hear it but we know and feel it because we believe. And so we wait. It is never too early for Christmas music. And it is never too long to wait.