It's the 9 Novena Masses Season again! Here are the reasons why we should participate in this unique Filipino Christmas tradition. 9 REASONS WHY WE SHOULD GO TO THE SIMBANG GABI OR MISA DE GALLO. 1. NOVENA - Novena's root word is "novem" which means "nine." in English. That's why it is called the Nine Masses. The Novena is for the Virgin Mary of Bethlehem. 2. PRAYER - Being a Novena, it is a prayer to God for graces. The first Novena was conducted by the apostles with the Virgin Mary before the Pentecost, on which they prayed for nine days after the Ascension, waiting for God's promise. 3. VOW - In the Novena, we make vows or holy promises. Vows are regarded by God as our personal and actual cooperation to graces. Many of us vowed to complete the Novena Masses. yet, if we promised to the Lord to complete it, we must fulfill it. The Bible says, 'fulfill your vow." (Ecc 5:4) 4. PREPARATION - Hearing the Nine Masses is an act or preparing for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, just as Mama Mary waited for nine months in pregnancy for the birth of her Son. 5. THANKSGIVING - Since Christmas is situated in December, the last month of the year, we give thanks to God for the blessings given to us for the whole year. 6. WORSHIP - The Holy Eucharist is the Church's highest form of prayer and worship. We rightfully worship God through the Mass. 7. WAITING - Waiting entails patience and yearning. In the Holy Mass, we express our hope. "Come, Lord Jesus!" 8. REPENTANCE - Remembering the Son of God Who is sent as Savior, we reject our sinful ways. Through the Nine Masses, we pave the way for the Lord to our lives, just as St. John the Baptist is calling us. 9. CELEBRATE - Christmas is a big celebration, not only on earth but also in heaven. "Glory to God in the highest, and peace to all people on whom God's favor rests," sang the angels. Celebrating Christmas with the Nine Masses make us join the heavenly celebration, it's worth it. #Pasko2017 #SimbangGabi #MisaDeGallo

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