Any moment now, in Philippines, Misa de Gallo starts. I am nostalgic. As far as I can remember, our family never missed Misa de Gallo especially the first day. Rain or no rain, we always attend morning masses.
Misa de Gallo, popularly known to Filipinos as the Simbang Gabi. These masses are the most important of all Filipino Christmas traditions because they signify the coming birth of the Messiah.
These nine dawn Masses, usually starting at four o'clock in the morning, are considered a novena by the Catholic and Aglipayan faithful. Going to mass this early for nine consecutive days is meant to show the churchgoer's devotion to his faith and to heighten anticipation for the Nativity of the Lord. A traditional Filipino belief, however, is that those who complete the novena will have a special wish or favor granted by God.
I miss this day. I miss the hustle and bustle in our household to make sure that we won't be late. I miss the text messages of friends reminding you not to miss the first day of the dawn mass. I miss the long lines of people buying "pandesal" after mass. I definitely miss Philippine Christmas!
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