Christmas carols that take on a whole new meaning for Cebuanos, post-Odette
by Luis A. Quibranza
Cebuanos love to sing. Christmas 2021, however, may be a little more subdued. After typhoon Odette (international name: Rai) ravaged the “Island in the Pacific,” Cebuanos are picking up the pieces of a traumatizing holiday left without power nor water, and little communication connectivity whether by phone or the internet.
This weekend, here are some favorite Christmas carols that should take on a whole new meaning not only for Cebuanos but also those affected in the Visayas and Mindanao regions.
“O Holy Night”
This carol never fails to remind us to be humble. Proverbs 16:18 (NKJV) states, “Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.”
The song goes: “A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices // For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn // Fall on your knees; O hear the Angel voices! // O night divine, O night when Christ was born.”
Indeed, Cebuanos await a glorious morning.
“Silent Night”
This popular Christmas carol ends with the words “sleep in heavenly peace,” which refers to the singer offering a lullaby to the Baby Jesus. With electricity out and water barely making it to households, Cebuanos can offer a sacrifice this Christmas, and pray to the Lord to be able to sleep well in the midst of the temporary discomfort and adversity.
“Kasadya Ning Taknaa”
According to a Wikipedia entry, the popular carol “Kasadya Ning Taknaa” is “a Cebuano Christmas carol composed in 1933 by Vicente Rubi with lyrics by Mariano Vestil.”
“Atong awiton aron sa kalipay kitang makaangkon…”
More often this powerful line just rolls out of our tongues and into the air of festivity, but now, this carol reminds us that there is truth in manifesting the power of faith.
“Joy to the World”
Should this Christmas carol’s musical arrangement be stripped of all its grand elements, one is left with a beautiful prayer that welcomes the Lord Jesus Christ into the world and in our hearts.
“Let heaven and nature sing…” As Cebuanos confess that the joy of the Lord remains as their strength—as mere human resiliency is never enough—the carol also offers people a chance to meditate on how nature is still a part of God’s creation, and we therefore should respect and care for it, in spite of the wrath it is capable of.
“Christmas in Our Hearts”
No Filipino Christmas playlist is complete without this monumental track by our very own Jose Mari Chan. “This season may we never forget // The love we have for Jesus // Let Him be the one to guide us // As another new year starts…”
Indeed, Cebuanos will take this message of hope into 2022, as the island prepares for the celebration of the feast day of the Señor Sto. Niño.
