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DAHIL SA DIYOS AY PAG-IBIG.
Because God is love.

In the midst of the hustle and bustle, the commercialism and the materialism, the exhaustion, excesses and extravagance that may engulf the Filipino Christian come Christmastime, the Church exhorts its flock to keep in mind the real spirit and reason behind Christmas: Immanuel, 'God is with us'.

The Catholic Church starts a new liturgical year, 4 Sundays before Christmas, with the Season of Advent. This is a time of spiritual preparation for the coming of the Messiah, of 'making straight His paths.' The Church dons the color purple, symbol of hopeful waiting. In many churches, wreaths with four candles, one of which is lit for every Sunday of Advent, serve as potent reminders.

Come December 16, the Christmas season officially begins with the Simbang Gabi, or Misa de Aguinaldo (Gift Masses) normally held before the break of dawn. The Simbang Gabi is a nine-day devotion, lasting until the dawn of December 24, and is a test of will and dedication for the many Filipinos who endeavor to keep the tradition. After the Mass, the faithful may flock to stalls of bibingka and puto bumbong, which are native rice delicacies, and maybe, a drink of salabat, or ginger brew. Come Christmas Eve, midnight of December 24, Filipinos will once again fill the churches for the Misa de Gallo (Mass of the Rooster), when church bells ring amidst joyous strains of Gloria in celebration for the birth of the Savior.

After the Mass, the Filipino family gathers together to partake of the Noche Buena. The Noche Buena is meant to be a sumptous feast: apples, pears, grapes, ham and cheese, remnants of the country's American colonial past, join native fares such as pansit, puto, leche flan, menudo, embutido, or relleno. But a simple meal will do just as well; afterall, Filipinos put a greater importance on being together. Many Filipino families take advantage of the occasion to organize reunions. Filipino relatives who live outside of the country take the time to call. They all come together to share in the laughter, nostalgia, festivities, and, those who can, the meal. After dinner, the members of the family gather round the Christmas tree for the gift-giving. By the time they retire, it is well into the early hours of Christmas Day, December 25.