Christmas is an exciting, festive season in the Philippines. Starting in September, Filipinos begin decorating their homes with lights, and the cities are adorned with colorful traditional star shaped lanterns called “parols”. Carolers fill the air with their voices singing Christmas songs.

Annually, Restore celebrates this much anticipated holiday. This year the Staff Christmas Party occurred early in December. Little did we know that a devastating typhoon would hit Cebu on December 16th. This was another example of God’s sovereignty. We had a blessed time of worship, encouragement from the board and staff, recognitions, and exciting games. And of course, who could forget the delicious food!

Beyond the festivities, the Christmas celebration caused us to reflect on how God sustained us through the storms of 2021, and His goodness towards us, individually and as a team. It was also a time to reflect on the real reason for the Christmas celebration and why we do what we do here at Restore. We remembered the redeeming hope that can only be found in Christ, and this is the hope which we share with the children and teens who come to Restore. Christ is the reason and Christ continues to be our reward.

In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:4-5,14