The 9 consecutive early mornings of going to Holy Mass in preparation of the commemoration of the Baby Jesus’ birthday is how some Catholic in the Philippines express their devotion and faith to Jesus Christ. The novena starts every 16th of December and ends on the 24th of December, exactly 9 days before Christmas. This novena masses usually starts around 4:00 dawn.

‘Simbang Gabi’ is the usual term of this occasion in the Philippines where all the native Filipino foods like ‘puto’, ’sikwati’, ‘conchinta’, ‘budbod’ (in different dialects) are abundantly selling near the Church’s vicinity so that it becomes the next stop of the many Mass goers after the Holy Mass. I, myself experienced to buy and eat these foods after the mass and it becomes a part of every 9 mornings… bring them at home and serve for breakfast.

But what is really the essence of these supposed 9 fruitful mornings? My answer is simple; it is an occasion in putting Jesus first before doing anything else in the day. Putting Him first means preparing ones self to be worthy in celebrating His birthday.

So whenever I see all walks of life gathering in the Church very early, it reminds me of a 4-year old little girl saying to her mom “Mommy, I want to see baby Jesus smiling to all these different kind of people and give chocolates to those who completed the 9 mornings.”

Have a blessed 9 days of preparation for Christmas Everyone!