Simbang Gabi ~
Here in the Philippines, the catholic church have this annual tradition. 15-23rd day (evening masses) and 16-24th day (morning masses) of December which we call "Simbang Gabi". I'm always active to complete the 9 days of Simbang Gabi not just because of what they say that if you complete the Simbang Gabi, your christmas wish will come true. For me, it's about preparing ourselves to the coming of our savior, Jesus Christ. Since, Christmas is all about the birth of Jesus Christ. I always love to hear the Gospel Reading and Homily every Simbang Gabi since all of it have great lessons.
During Simbang Gabi, I also love to observe the people who come and join the celebration of the mass. I can see a group of teenagers, a family, students who just came from their schools, old peoples and even young children. I'm really glad to see everyone complete and enjoy the night by listening to the word of God. Even though some called it "Simbang Tabi" or "Simbang Landi" because some people don't participate well. But still, most of the people who come there are really devoted to the tradition.
Every Simbang Gabi, there are foods that we can't never forget. The Puto Bumbong and Bibingka. It's the best treat after you heard the mass. The stalls outside the church will always be a blockbuster after the mass since no one wouldn't want to miss these treats since, you can just see the sellers of it every Simbang Gabi which is (every december only) but many businesses already put up stores who sell these foods but it will always be the best treat that we consider every Simbang Gabi.
To be honest, I wasn't able to attend the third day last Thursday because I left my dorm at around 6pm and I came home at exactly 8:30. The mass here in our town is at 8pm. I still attended the mass even though I'm 40 minutes late. It's quite sad because I missed one day. But I will still continue it because I want to prepare myself in welcoming Jesus.
I hope everyone of you can also join the Simbang Gabi even though you' missed one day. Continue to pray, listen to the word of God and get ready for the coming of our savior, Jesus Christ. I wish all of you a merry merry christmas. :) God bless everyone.