Belen, a Filipino Nativity scene
Star-shaped plastic lanterns
With flashing multicolored lights,
A lighted paper star atop a stable,
Bedecked bamboo Christmas tree close by,
Two angels heralding halleluiahs: How simple
A palm-roofed Belen yet sharing so much joy!
Midnight darkness is dispelled
By a new born babe in swaddling clothes;
Gently lifted up from straw-lined manger, nursed
And coddled by a maiden mother;
Resplendent starlight beams on him --
He is the Mystery of the ages.
Is this tiny babe in dreamless sleep the Light
That overcomes the gloom of sin and evil?
Is he the One who is to come?
The fulfillment of ancient prophetic oracles?
UnendingLove, God-hero, Prince of Peace?
How frail a Babe, this dream of eons past!
In truth deep faith ne’er fails,
He of the virgin maiden is Word eternal,
God incarnate into our warped humanity,
The Light that darkness cannot dispel,
Light of the world, Hope of us all, God-with-us,
Receive and share with those in need
the boundless love of the Child, Christ and Lord.
A blessed Christmas to you
And to all your loved ones!
+Orlando B. Cardinal Quevedo, O.M.I.
Archbishop Emeritus
Archdiocese of Cotabato, Philippines
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