Advent, Christmas Cards, and Sharing Your Blessings

This coming Sunday, November 27, will mark the start of Advent. Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of our Lord this Christmas.

Ilang tulog na lang.

Are you still on the look out for what to give your relative or friend who seems to have just about everything? Why don't you consider giving Christmas cards for a good cause?

My Poveda batchmate, Sana Sta. Ana, sent me e-mail on how we can share our blessings this Christmas. You may purchase an ATD Christmas card to give to your families and friends and for each card you purchase for P200, a Gift Basket (in your or in your recipient's name)will be given to less privileged families. The Gift Basket will contain food and canned goods, coffee, sugar, and a toy.

The giving of the gift baskets is scheduled on December 18 at the ATD office at the Caritas Manila Compound. What or who is ATD? "ATD Fourth World Philippines is an international NGO that empowers poor Filipinos to overcome extreme poverty. We conduct street libraries and adult forums in various poor communities."

To order, please call 563-93-12 and look for Sarah or Zabeth. You can also e-mail them at atdmnl@skyinet.net There is a wide selection of designs to choose from.

A lot of us will say that Christmas will be more difficult this year. In all our troubles, some may not find the Christmas spirit in them at all. Life may be bleak but all we have to do is to look within to see that the Light on that first Christmas Eve burns just as brightly and that in giving, we are enriched. Each Christmas is a gift of hope and a gentle reminder that God's love for us is a constant in a world that changes even as I type. =)

To all our readers, a blessed Christmas and a great new year! Sa lahat ng mga Pinoy, saan man kayo nagbabanat ng buto, Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon! Amid the Christmas parties, reunions, and Christmas gift-giving, take time to pray and reflect on just how blessed we all are. =)