This past Sunday, Father Bennett gave a moving homily to commemorate The Epiphany, the manifestation of Christ to the Magi. We celebrate The Epiphany on January 6. Father Bennett related the story of the Magi and their search for the newborn king. The Magi were pagans, but the epiphany of God incarnate opened their hearts to divine revelation and moved them to worship. Throughout their journey the Magi followed the Star of Bethlehem, and it was this shining star that led them to the place where their souls were transformed forever.
One of the most enduring images of Christmas in the Philippines is the parol, a star-shaped Christmas lantern representing the star of Bethlehem that guided the wise men to the nativity of Jesus. In the Philippines, the parol has become an iconic symbol of a Filipino Christmas and is as important to Filipinos as the Christmas tree is to American culture. During the Christmas season, one only need walk down city sidewalks to see a colorful spectacle of parols on display. The first parol was crafted in 1928 out of bamboo sticks and crepe paper illuminated by a single candle inside the lantern. The parol has since evolved into more elaborate designs using various materials like plastic, tinsel, foil, wood, metal, glass, capiz and other seashells. They come in various shapes and sizes and some are even fitted with electric lights. I had the pleasure of making, for the first time, my very own parol! It was used during our church Christmas festival on Dec. 21. The parol I crafted was of the simpler variety fashioned out of bamboo sticks, plastic, and tinsel. Nevertheless, I was immensely proud of its symbolic beauty; not to mention the hours spent handcrafting it together. (Special thanks to my wonderful husband, Dan who took extra steps to make sure the pieces were securely fastened).
During his homily, Father Bennett painted a beautiful illustration of the star's respresentation. “The star can be understood to represent our encounter with God.” Like the Wise Men, we must look intently for that star that is within each of us and let it shine brightly for all to see. For when we do, it is Jesus who shines forth within us. At some point during the homily, I was struck with an epiphanic moment: I wanted to be that star that shines ever so brightly for my husband, my children, family members, friends, and everyone I encounter. Father Bennett’s words were soul-awakening, his conviction was strong, and the message was life-changing. With attentive ears and softened hearts, we listened. And, to borrow a line from my sister's Christmas letter, "we received new lenses with which to see the world and our purpose-driven lives."
colorful capiz shells
bamboo tiles
One of the most enduring images of Christmas in the Philippines is the parol, a star-shaped Christmas lantern representing the star of Bethlehem that guided the wise men to the nativity of Jesus. In the Philippines, the parol has become an iconic symbol of a Filipino Christmas and is as important to Filipinos as the Christmas tree is to American culture. During the Christmas season, one only need walk down city sidewalks to see a colorful spectacle of parols on display. The first parol was crafted in 1928 out of bamboo sticks and crepe paper illuminated by a single candle inside the lantern. The parol has since evolved into more elaborate designs using various materials like plastic, tinsel, foil, wood, metal, glass, capiz and other seashells. They come in various shapes and sizes and some are even fitted with electric lights. I had the pleasure of making, for the first time, my very own parol! It was used during our church Christmas festival on Dec. 21. The parol I crafted was of the simpler variety fashioned out of bamboo sticks, plastic, and tinsel. Nevertheless, I was immensely proud of its symbolic beauty; not to mention the hours spent handcrafting it together. (Special thanks to my wonderful husband, Dan who took extra steps to make sure the pieces were securely fastened).
During his homily, Father Bennett painted a beautiful illustration of the star's respresentation. “The star can be understood to represent our encounter with God.” Like the Wise Men, we must look intently for that star that is within each of us and let it shine brightly for all to see. For when we do, it is Jesus who shines forth within us. At some point during the homily, I was struck with an epiphanic moment: I wanted to be that star that shines ever so brightly for my husband, my children, family members, friends, and everyone I encounter. Father Bennett’s words were soul-awakening, his conviction was strong, and the message was life-changing. With attentive ears and softened hearts, we listened. And, to borrow a line from my sister's Christmas letter, "we received new lenses with which to see the world and our purpose-driven lives."
Take a look at these Christmas stars:
I made this one!
colorful capiz shells
parol with electric lights
bamboo tiles
wood shavings
Dan's apple pancake puffs -- Delicious!
Finally, the moment they've all been waiting for -- opening presents! 
A very special candle holder made by Joseph in ceramics class at school
An assortment of yummy filipino snacks from Danta Claus!
Movie theater gift cards for 5 (to see The Tale of Despereaux) from Mrs. Claus!
Poke'mon cards from Aunt Linda were a sure hit!
A very special gift from Danta Claus.
