MINDAVIEWS
SEASON’S SPECIAL: Christmas through 80 Years
Patricio P. Diaz / MindaNews
GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews / 24 December 2014) — In eighty years so much has changed; yet, it has remained the same. From the personalized to the commercialized world; from localization to consumerism — still remaining unchanged are the social contrasts in the world setting of Christmas.
So many evils have been done to man
In the name of good; yet, God has done man
So much more good than the evil around him.
So many a rich boasts of the good
He has done for his love of the poor; yet, there
Should be no poor on earth if the rich truly
Love the poor for the love of God.
During the season of Christmas, the world’s
Aglitter to bring Christmas cheer – the rich
And the poor partaking; yet, ironies of ironies,
The poor end poorer, many a rich richer.
“Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year” rings
Different tones from two ends of the social ladder.
From the top – the industrialized and elite world –
It’s fulfillment of the joy their world has brought
And the expectations of what
Their world will continue bringing.
From the bottom – the poor and the not so rich –
It’s the momentary joy of the season; yet, in eternal hope
That their trials and struggles will yield happiness
In fulfillment of the spirit bound in faith that God,
Through Christ born poor of the poorest, loves them.
To one and all, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! God loves you.
(“Comment” is Mr. Patricio P. Diaz’ column for MindaViews, the opinion section of MindaNews. The Titus Brandsma Media Awards honored Mr. Diaz with a “Lifetime Achievement Award” for his “commitment to education and public information to Mindanawons as Journalist, Educator and Peace Advocate.” You can reach him at patpdiazgsc@yahoo.com.)
