Hello dear Hivers,
As a Roman Catholic, we have a cherished tradition called Simbang Gabi, which is a series of dawn Masses celebrated in preparation for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. These Masses are held very early in the morning. In some churches, the Mass starts as early as 3:00 a.m., while in others it begins at 4:30 a.m. In the church near our place, the Mass starts at 4:30 a.m., so I usually wake up at around 3:30 a.m. to prepare myself, take a bath, and leave early. I do this so I can still find a seat inside the church because so many people attend, especially as Christmas draws nearer.
For four consecutive years now, I have tried my best to complete the nine-day novena Masses. This year, I was really hoping to perfect all nine days again. Unfortunately, I was absent once during the third novena because I got sick. I had a terrible cough and a bad cold at that time. It was one of those moments when your body simply refuses to cooperate, no matter how strong your will is.
What amazed me, though, was that whenever I managed to reach the church, my coughing would suddenly stop, and my colds would ease. Inside the church, I felt calm and well, as if nothing was wrong. It truly made me feel that there was something miraculous about it. It may sound simple to others, but for me, it was a quiet reminder of faith—how being in God’s presence can bring comfort not only to the soul but also, somehow, to the body.
I only found the time to write again now because it is finally the weekend, and I do not have any duty to attend to. Moments like this allow me to slow down and reflect. You can really feel that Christmas is near, especially when you are able to attend the Simbang Gabi Masses. The atmosphere is different—peaceful, hopeful, and full of anticipation. The early mornings, the church lights, the familiar hymns, and the shared silence with fellow churchgoers all contribute to a feeling that is hard to put into words.
Many people complete the nine novena Masses because they believe that doing so will grant them a wish. That belief has been passed on for generations, and for many, it is a source of hope. While there is nothing wrong with making wishes, my personal reason for attending Simbang Gabi goes beyond that. For me, it is an act of gratitude.
I attend the Simbang Gabi simply to give thanks—to thank God that I am still here, still standing, and still able to move forward despite all the hardships I have faced. Life has not always been easy, and there were moments when things felt overwhelming. But being present at these dawn Masses reminds me how far I have come and how much grace I have received along the way.
In the end, Simbang Gabi is not just a tradition for me. It is a quiet journey of faith, gratitude, and reflection—a meaningful way to welcome Christmas with a thankful heart.
Thank you for taking the time to read and see you on my next blog. Advance Merry Christmas!
