Marcos wishes everyone a Christmas 'full of love, hopeful beginnings'

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Sunday extended his Christmas greetings to the nation, saying the holiday represents "pure and simple love." 

In a statement, Marcos said the story of Christ's birth has become an "integral part" of Filipino culture and should be celebrated "with the same simplicity, sense, and meaning that we get from it."

"No matter the evolution of its observance, it is imperative that we emphasize the true essence of this holiday—love," the President said. 

"It is this pure and simple love that Christmas represents—the same one that we constantly desire and need—that allows it to be more than just a Christian tradition. Across [all] beliefs, all the generosity and goodwill stirred [up] in this season are welcomed. Surely, embracing these will help us overcome the difficulties brought by the pandemic and other challenges," he added.

Marcos urged everyone to "freely offer our smiles, share conversation, or impart wisdom to our peers, our loved ones, and even strangers." 

"Let our affection be known and felt in the simplest of ways so that the eternal message of the Nativity of Christ may again spark hope for a brighter future in the hearts of all," he said.

"I wish everyone a Christmas full of love, compassion, and hopeful beginnings." 

In a video posted on Sunday, the first family greeted Filipinos all over the world with a merry Christmas and a happy New Year, and expressed their gratitude for all the blessings they have received this year.

“Tunay na malayo ang ating mararating basta’t tayo ay nagtutulungan at nagkakaisa,” Ilocos Norte Representative Ferdinand Alexander "Sandro" Marcos said.

In a separate message, Bongbong Marcos encouraged the public to open their hearts to the spirit of unity this holiday season.

“Dalangin ko rin po na ang pangako ng isang maginhawa at magandang kinabukasan ay makapagbigay ng pag-asa sa bawat Pilipino,” the President said.

(I also pray that the promise of a comfortable and bright future will give hope to every Filipino.)

“Manalig po tayo na sa ating pagtutulungan, matutupad natin ang pangakong ito. Higit sa lahat, buksan natin ang ating mga puso sa diwa ng pagkakaisa,” he added.

(Let's trust that with our cooperation, we will fulfill this promise. Above all, let's open our hearts to the spirit of unity.)

Christmas Day, which falls on Sunday this year, is observed as a regular holiday.

Marcos recently declared December 26, Monday, a special non-working day to "give the people the full opportunity to celebrate the holiday with their families and loved ones." —Sherylin Untalan/VBL, GMA Integrated News