By Pia Lazaro, Grade 11
On the night of November 29, 2018, Senior High School students, accompanied by their family members and friends, witnessed the Bethlehem Village Light & Sound Show at the Chapel Field.
Setting up a Bethlehem Village, with its almost life-sized Belen (or Nativity Scene) complete with live animals, for the first time in Woodrose is the brainchild of Fr. Reyes, our School Chaplain. His aim is to help us put Jesus at the center of our lives and rekindle the true spirit of Christmas.
The 30-minute light & sound show is composed of well-known Christmas songs and significant passages from the Bible accompanied by a beautiful display of lights, colors, and other special effects. In his opening speech prior to the show, Fr. Reyes explained that the Belen recounts the story of the Nativity of Jesus Christ and its central role in the celebration of Christmas.
After watching the show, the students, their families, and friends, shared a dinner meal together and enjoyed surprise performances by the Grade 11 and Grade 12 batches. Each one talked about their amazement and awe at seeing the show, spreading the Christmas cheer and spirit. Upon seeing the Belen and recalling the story of how our Savior was born, each person present during that night was able to feel in their hearts the true meaning of Christmas.
Excerpts from the personal reflection of Iya Fernandez, Grade 11:
…The first thing Jesus told me struck me the most: the night of His birth was the total opposite. In reality, there were no flashy lights, joyful songs, or awaiting crowds. It was simple, and only a few people were chosen to be with Jesus…Although it was the birth of Our Lord, it seemed to be like any other day for the rest of the world. This nearly made me cry because it allowed me to contemplate Jesus’ love for me and for man. He is the King of all kings, yet He chose to take our own flesh and to become man….
Moreover, looking at the Child Jesus made me understand what it meant to love. Jesus accepted His Father’s will…He was going to live, to suffer, and to die for the same people who will kill Him. It makes me contemplate how Jesus never left me no matter how much I offended Him and disobeyed Him. Because of this, I know He will always welcome me with open arms and invite me to return to Him when I go astray. Nothing can compare to knowing this – to internalizing God’s love for me…the greatest happiness lies in doing what He did: submitting entirely to Love. The only way I can do this is if I take care of the little things He asks of me each day…
Lastly, Jesus reminded me of my life. I think the reason many cried over the light show is how rare it is to see Jesus being in the spotlight. It made me reflect on where I’ve put Him in my life and what takes me away from Him. Seeing Him that way made me realize how little I’ve done to say “Thank you.” Amidst all the noise from my gadgets and my work, I easily forget to bring it all back to Him…I should constantly be living in His presence so that Christmas isn’t the only time of the year when I feel Him. Instead, I should be looking forward to meeting Him every day in the mass, in my work, in my friends, and in my family…
Note: More shows are scheduled on December 4, 8, 12, and 14 sponsored by other batches.