This time of the year I missed being in the Philippines at Christmas. In the Philippines the first C hristmas carol is heard around September . By October, the joyful strains of Christmas carols is heard on the radio. Decorations, cribs, trees, stars and colourful and locally made wreaths appear oin the shops in the main street.
Liturgical preparations begin with the lighting of candles and the blessing of the Advent wreath. By December groups of carollers go from house to house and people go to church sometimes at 3 AM.
In Australia by contrast we only hear of Christmas in December usually when stores start their sales.
There is no mention of Christ, we do not mention Christmas just Happy something. Father Christmas is available in the stores for kids to have his phot taken with them.
The few who go to Church, see a half empty Church where we can not even light candles as the wax might damage the carpeted floors. Carol services are only he;d by the Churches. Even sending Christmas cards is dangerous as many do not want them or any obligation to reply. Christmas decorations are scarce confined to one area and dominated by Father Christmas.
Even in the USA, Christmas Celebrations are being ban. Last month a US Judge denied a Christian group's bid to display sa nativity scene in a Los Angeles park after complaints by atheists,
I know not all Denominations want nativity scenes but in Australia even carol singing is ban in schools. People can not say Happy Christmas just Happy Holidays or worst.
Liturgical preparations begin with the lighting of candles and the blessing of the Advent wreath. By December groups of carollers go from house to house and people go to church sometimes at 3 AM.
In Australia by contrast we only hear of Christmas in December usually when stores start their sales.
There is no mention of Christ, we do not mention Christmas just Happy something. Father Christmas is available in the stores for kids to have his phot taken with them.
The few who go to Church, see a half empty Church where we can not even light candles as the wax might damage the carpeted floors. Carol services are only he;d by the Churches. Even sending Christmas cards is dangerous as many do not want them or any obligation to reply. Christmas decorations are scarce confined to one area and dominated by Father Christmas.
Even in the USA, Christmas Celebrations are being ban. Last month a US Judge denied a Christian group's bid to display sa nativity scene in a Los Angeles park after complaints by atheists,
I know not all Denominations want nativity scenes but in Australia even carol singing is ban in schools. People can not say Happy Christmas just Happy Holidays or worst.