“What is the Christmas spirit?” I believe it’s a deep-seated joy in knowing that the story of the Christ Child is gloriously true! Many will celebrate Christmas this year, experience gifts and excitement, but never connect the celebration with the reason for it.” – Dan Schaeffer

There is something about the Christmas season that makes people more cheerful, generous and kinder than usual. It’s a feeling that comes from within us, a certain joy that can be felt with every smile exchanged, every token given away, every hug welcomed with open arms. It is a feeling of satisfaction in giving, of remembering our loved ones and celebrating the beauty of life.

The Spirit of Christmas is not about the material things that we give and receive instead, it is about the essence of giving out of love. For it is written in John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” It is with that love and ultimate sacrifice that we received the best gift of all, our salvation.

This Christmas, the school has focused its efforts in helping the survivors of the earthquake and super typhoon in the Visayas region. We would like to thank you for your generosity and for taking the initiative to ask your friends for donations. With your support we were able to donate food items, used clothes, toiletries and toys for the children. The school has also pledged to donate medicines through the Philippine Red Cross, Quezon City Chapter.

Working together for a good cause makes the task easier to bear. It also leaves a lasting impression on children of what the real essence of Christmas is all about. Truly, it is through our own actions wherein they will learn about compassion and show genuine acts of kindness. We thank you for your support and we hope that you will continue to pray with us for the rehabilitation of the devastated areas in the Visayas.

“Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.” –Deuteronomy 15:10

The merriest of Christmas to all!

This article appears in the December, 2013 issue of TLA Blaze. Click here to download a copy of this newsletter.