Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord, Jesus Christ
THE BELEN
… and made his dwelling among us. – John 1:14
For me, Christmas is best celebrated in the Philippines. Here, we play Christmas carols as early as October. We put Christmas decors in our homes way ahead of anybody else. But a favorite custom we have that I really love is our tradition of having a belen (créche) at our homes.
A belen is a set of images that we place at a designated part of the house depicting the Nativity of our Lord. A makeshift barn with animals, shepherds, the three kings, a bright star, Mother Mary, St. Joseph, a manger filled with straw grass and Baby Jesus lying on top of it.
Some families I know have done some innovations for their belens. Everything is complete except the grass straw where Jesus is supposed to be lying on. Then for every good deed or sacrifice they will make as an offering to Jesus, a grass straw will be placed underneath the Baby Jesus. On Christmas day, the manger is filled with grass where Jesus is laid, signified by offerings of good deeds and sacrifices that the family members have done for others.
I love this tradition. Because in this way, every member of the family is aware to prepare their hearts for Jesus to make His dwelling among us. Marisa Aguas (jojangaguas@yahoo.com)
Reflection: Today, make yourself aware of Jesus in every endeavor that you undertake.
Lord Jesus, I pray that You make Your dwelling in my heart not only today but for every day of my life.
St. Eugenia, pray for us.
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