Tag Archives: Christmas

Empowered to Become Children of God

Posted on December 25, 2020 by Joel Tabora, S.J.

Close to noon on Christmas Day we come together to celebrate the birth of our Savior.  The reading from the Prologue of John’s Gospel gives us a different perspective from the readings at last night’s Midnight Mass and this morning’s … Continue reading →

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The Child in the Manger

Posted on December 24, 2017 by Joel Tabora, S.J.

[Homily:  Christmas Midnight Mass, ADDU Chapel of the Assumption, 2017] Finally this long-awaited day has come.  The Church begins its official wait for this day from the first day of Advent, four weeks ago.  But the Philippines bypasses Advent and … Continue reading →

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Light that Overcomes Darkness

Posted on December 24, 2016 by Joel Tabora, S.J.

[Homily: Christmas Midnight Mass, ADDU Assumption Chapel, 2016] The Prayer of this Mass, I believe, expresses our special joy and sentiment at this Christmas Midnight Mass, “Father you make this Holy Night radiant with the splendor of Christ our light. … Continue reading →

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Christmas with Jesus

Posted on December 25, 2015 by Joel Tabora, S.J.

Isn’t it remarkable how some are actively trying to take the religious celebration of the birth of Jesus out of Christmas? They advocate a “Christmas” reduced to “season’s greetings,” “gift giving,” “merry making,” family gatherings and the joy of children … Continue reading →

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The Dawn from On High

Posted on December 24, 2015 by Joel Tabora, S.J.

[Homily. Concluding Simbanggabi Mass, ADDU Matina, 12.24.15, 5:30 am.] It is the last day of Advent. And the last day of our Simbanggabi. All of God’s blessings on you who have stayed the course, who have gotten up early during … Continue reading →

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In the Belen, Hear!

Posted on December 24, 2014 by Joel Tabora, S.J.

[Christmas, 2014]  Silent night, Holy night! / All is calm, all is bright  / ‘Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child. / Holy infant so tender and mild! / Sleep in heavenly peace! / Sleep in heavenly peace! All the colorfully glowing lanterns, the … Continue reading →

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Waiting for the Fullness of Life

Posted on December 15, 2014 by Joel Tabora, S.J.

[Homily. Simbang Gabi. 16 December 2014.] Waiting for Christmas is truly difficult. Why? Perhaps, it’s the twinkling lights, the parol aglow, the glittering Christmas trees that make the Season so long awaited. Perhaps its the long-anticipated day of distant relatives … Continue reading →

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Christmas in Our Hearts

Posted on December 24, 2013 by Joel Tabora, S.J.

Among my favorite songs of my friend, Joe Mari Chan, is his “Christmas in our Hearts,” rendered unforgettably with his beautiful daughter, Liza.  For me it was not only the heartwarming interplay between father and daughter singing of  “girls and … Continue reading →

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The Dawn from on High

Posted on December 23, 2013 by Joel Tabora, S.J.

[Homily: Simbang Gabi, ADDU GS Chapel, Matina.  Dec. 24, 2013.  5:30 a.m.] On the final day of Simbang Gabi – there is always a special joy.  For those who have come to all of the Simbang Gabi Masses, the joy … Continue reading →

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The Dawn from On High

Posted on December 23, 2012 by Joel Tabora, S.J.

[Homily: Simbanggabi, ADDU GS, Dec. 24, 2012] As the dawn of this morning vanquishes the night, and we celebrate the last of our Simbanggabi Masses, we are invited to reflect on another dawning that takes place on a more cosmic … Continue reading →

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