by Gabriel J. Catanus
Across the world, Christian communities are in the period of the liturgical calendar called Christmastide, the twelve days after December 25 that end with the Epiphany on January 6. Though significantly shorter than Advent or Lent, Christmastide is marked by feasting and celebrating because the Savior has come. Whether through Simbang Gabi observances or family parties, Filipinos are well-known for their celebrations at this time of the year. Of course, Christmas in the Philippines begins in September.
On this side of history, thousands of years after the birth of Jesus, we recognize the ongoing presence of “God with us” (Mt. 1:23, NIV), but now through the Holy Spirit in God’s people. For Filipinos throughout the diaspora, and especially in the U.S., Christmas is an invitation for us to acknowledge and embody God’s presence in a suffering world. Just like the first Christmas occurred under the shadow of Roman imperial rule, so is God present among us under the threats of authoritarianism and Christian nationalism. It was good news back then, and it is truly good news now, even though it can be hard to believe: through a child, God enters into human history and experience in order to transform both.
We see this transformation underway through every person seeking justice for immigrants in Chicago, through every parent or volunteer helping to keep schoolchildren safe from ICE raids, through every senior citizen taking the train or bus to the Rizal Center to participate in their programs. Through them God is present in our midst, asserting human dignity and the goodness of creation. Through a community like the Rizal Center, God is taking up space in our city, often against the odds. As we enter 2026, let us embody good news for those who need it: “good news to the poor, freedom for the prisoners, and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Lk. 4:18-29). Merry Christmas!
Gabriel J. Catanus (jaycatanus@gmail.com) is the Director of the Filipino American Ministry Initiative (FAMI) at Fuller Theological Seminary, where he teaches theology and ethics. He is also the pastor of Garden City Covenant Church, a congregation serving immigrant families and young professionals. He received his PhD from Loyola University in Chicago, where he lives with his wife and two children.
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