Preparing for the birth of Jesus

Today is a special day for some ethnic communities as they prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. For Filipinos, Simbang gabi, the novena of nine masses begins today. Mass is either celebrated early in the morning, the Misa de Gallo, the time of the first rooster call, or in the evening. Here in the Hutt valley, people from various Latin American countries will join the Colombian community for the Novena de Navidad. Each night, members of the community will gather in a different house to celebrate with prayers, gospel text reflections, singing of carols and sharing food. Each family prepares a crib as the focus of activities. The novenas are a beautiful way to prepare for Christmas but in his video address to Parliament, President Zelensky reminded us that in his country of Ukraine the joy of Christmas will be hard to find. The crib led to the cross but it was followed by the resurrection and this gives us the hope that true peace and justice will come to Ukraine, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Iran and drought stricken African countries. The evergreen Christmas tree is a sign of hope. May the justice and integrity that Isaiah prayed for become a world-wide reality this Christmas.