For thousands of Negrenses and Mindanaoans, Christmas will be a season of hope. Hope is all they have left after Tropical Storm Sendong came and, like a thief in the night, took away what they held dear.
While some escaped with their shirts on, many others lost theirs, and more. As of Saturday afternoon, the casualty count differed greatly, depending on which office was making it. They were trying to reconcile the figures as of 4 p.m.
This Christmas, the tragedy and pain brought about by Tropical Storm Sendong would still be fresh in the minds of the victims. We can help alleviate their suffering by sharing what we have.
You may give your donation through the Red Cross, through your church, or through the Provincial or City governments. You may also choose to give directly to the victims (although this could be dangerous for the unexperienced).
Rebuilding these communities which have been ravaged by the floods can be a long and daunting task. This, no doubt, could take you away from your comfort zone.
But by helping those in need, we give hope to our brothers and sisters. By helping those in need, we make God happy. By giving to those in need, we get to help make Christmas real in the lives of thousands of people.
Christmas is not just a time for parties. It’s not just about having a happy holiday from school and work. It’s not just a time to pamper ourselves.
Rather, this is a time where we give of ourselves, as God gave himself to us.
On that first Christmas, God gave us hope. We can do no less than to do the same.