Merry Christmas!

It was a big rush to complete as much work as I could yesterday afternoon - writing a couple of important letters together with the Dean, discussion on certain important topics (you'll soon know what!), then Sr. Veronica asked me to help clean the lamps of the Flagellation chapel. There're 17 in total and very high, and she got me a short ladder ...... what to do in such a situation? Stand at the top of the ladder on tiptoes to reach those bronze (very heavy) coverings. Also had to clean a Crusader period chandelier - nearly fell doing it. Then cleaned out the courtyard because the dead leaves were collecting and blocking the drains.

Then it was run run run to Grand Court hotel to meet Angelina Lim of the Singapore group. Small world - she comes from Serangoon Gardens too; says she's seen me many times (like 20 yrs back) at our parish. She's a very nice lady, and she's leading for the first time a group to the Holyland. And she brought some stuff cared-off from my mum. We had a nice chat in the lobby and then I had to rush back to the monastery for Vespers and the Novena preaching.

On the way to the hotel and back, I had to pass through Damascus Gate - and the crowd was unbelievable. All the muslims were about, vendors selling everything from food to toys to carpets lined the roads. It was very festive. And it was good to see young families coming out to enjoy - lots of babies in strollers. Minibuses leave every minute to transport people back to their villages. Everyone greeting everyone. Laughing, singing, chatting. The atmosphere was good. The sights and smells is so characteristically Middle eastern. Kebabs roasting on made-shift spits, ripe fruit stacked mountain high by the roadside, cars impatiently tooting pedestrians out of the way, the muzzein singing in the background, teens blasting off music from their blasters, and young people strutting about in their new clothes - out to be seen. I wish Christmas could also be like that. It gives a feeling of life, light something to be proud of. Unfortunately Christians are surrounded in fear here.

Fr. Vincenzo wrote to say by Egyptian standards, the offering you guys gave is alot; and so he asked if he could use some of it to help some Christian girls (not children but teens) because girls are very disadvantaged there. They need money for food and schooling; and there's enough money to sponsor a couple of girls to go through secondary school. That would alleviate their social standing and be an asset to their family in the future. I took the liberty on your behalf to say yes. I'm sure you'll agree. Anyway it's the extra money after food is bought for the children and their families this Christmas. Sponsoring a child through school will not only ensure a good future for the child, but also for the family and the village.

Tonight the HK group is coming. I'll be away for 10 days with them, so I'll wish you all a Happy and Holy Christmas now. We'll remember you all in Bethlehem and the other holy places we'll visit. Let the Word made Flesh find a place to stay in your hearts, and share this joy with others. See you all in 10 days time! And Happy New Year too.