Christmas!

CHRISTMAS is indeed a joyous occasion as we commemorate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It marks the beginning of a life of service and sacrifice of God’s only begotten son, and his humble birth should be a reminder for us all about the virtue of humility, and living for others.

His birth in such humble surroundings, and the fact that he later identified himself with the marginalized sector highlights to us the importance of serving the least, the lost, and the last in our society. Indeed, the work of Rotary, which is to serve the community and make the world a better place for everyone, is consistent with God’s loving design for mankind.

“Service above self” was a life lived by Jesus, the First Rotarian. His life epitomizes how it is to truly serve and uplift a community. His teachings underscore the importance of actually doing, saying and thinking in a manner that promotes the good and noble, very much in line with the Four-Way Test that we have today. Verily, Jesus has shown us what it takes to truly serve and sacrifice, and he remarkably demonstrated that is by offering himself totally, to the point of dying on the cross.

Over the past couple of months, RCM already had several projects aimed at helping those in need, including the victims of natural calamities. This week alone, we have our gift-giving to indigent children of Mithing Pangarap at Smokey Mountain in Balut, Tondo; as well as a special program and gift distribution to the children, teens and elderly community at Hospicio de San Jose. This is what ROTARY is about – giving, serving, putting smiles in people’s faces, and touching their lives through our presence and presents.

I am happy to note that Manila Rotarians find true joy in pursuing these projects and noble pursuits. This is the final issue of The Balita for the year, and I would like to sincerely wish all my brothers in Rotary a most meaningful and blessed Christmas, and all good cheer for another faith-filled 2025! Cheers to you all, and may God’s grace and guidance be constantly animate us as we all forge ahead in this worthy Rotary mission!