Simbang Gabi : Filipino Christmas Tradition

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"Simbang Gabi" or Mass at Dawn, is a nine-day Novena to prepare for the birth of Christ. Since the Mass is celebrated when it is still dark, Simbang Gabi can also mean Mass at Night.  a Filipino Christmas tradition, it is is a series of nine dawn masses, the mass starts as early as 4:00 a.m. It begins on December 16 and ends on the midnight of the 24th of December, which is the midnight mass.

The Nativity Scene or "Belen" is displayed in preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. It shows Baby Jesus in a manger with Mother Mary and St. Joseph. There are shepherds and farm animals. A complete scenario of the Belen includes the three wise men carrying their gifts to Infant Jesus and the star of Bethlehem that guided them in their journey.

The Roman Catholic churches across the nation start to open their doors shortly before the break of dawn to welcome the faithfuls to the Simbang Gabi mass. The church bells start ringing as early as three o' clock waking people up so they can get ready for the four o'clock dawn mass.

Simbang Gabi is not just a tradition that is the most important religious significance for those who attend Simbang Gabi, to be nourished with faith.

It is the perfect time to ponder how this truth influences our thoughts, actions and spiritual lives.

The Simbang Gabi is also seen as a way of requesting blessings from the Lord,as most people believe that if one completes the whole series of nine dawn masses, wishes will be granted.