Tomorrow, in all Catholic churches — whether Roman, Anglican, or Eastern — the Aguinaldo Masses will begin, preparing us for the birth of Jesus Christ on 25 December.

It is an event that remains a subject of debate between believers and non-believers. It is also sad to note that even some Catholics ask whether it is true that the Lord Jesus was born on 25 December.

For non-believers, the celebration of Christmas or the birth of Jesus is a “pagan celebration.” But for us Christians, what is the truth about Christmas and the birth of Jesus?

To better understand, let us use the Hebrew calendar to examine the truth about Christmas or the birth of our Lord Jesus. We will also turn to the Bible to find answers.

Let’s explain it this way, brothers and sisters: First, we need to know the age gap between John the Baptist and our Lord Jesus.

At the time, Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, was assigned to facilitate what they call “Yom Kippur” or the “Day of Atonement.” This happens once a year, on the 10th day of the seventh month in the Hebrew calendar. We can read about this in Leviticus 16:29-34.

The Day of Atonement falls in the month of Tishrei, which corresponds to 15 September to 15 October in the Gregorian calendar we use today. Counting from 15 September, plus 10 days, this falls on 25 September in the Gregorian calendar. It was also on that day that the Angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah, as he was on duty during that Day of Atonement, which we can read in Luke 1:5-25.

The age gap between John the Baptist and Jesus is six months, as noted in Luke 1:26-38.

If we count backward six months from 25 September in the Gregorian calendar, we land on 25 March, the day history tells us Mary conceived Jesus. Counting forward nine months from 25 March, we arrive at 25 December, providing a basis for saying this is the day Jesus was born.

Meanwhile, on another timely topic, the National Bureau of Investigation, under the leadership of Director Judge Jaime B. Santiago, will scale down its Christmas celebration in solidarity with Filipinos who suffered from the wrath of six typhoons that recently hit the country.

In just one month, the Philippines was pummeled by six successive typhoons, causing severe damage not only to property but also to the lives of those in affected areas. Thousands of families had to flee and take refuge in evacuation centers for safety.

Director Santiago said the NBI initially planned to hold its Christmas party at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. However, moved by Malacañang’s noble call, Santiago directed the NBI to forego its plans and instead send aid to the typhoon victims.

Specifically, the NBI is in the process of procuring relief goods and food packs for those affected.

Instead of the PICC, the NBI will hold a simple Christmas party at its new office at Filinvest Cyberzone, Pasay City.

Director Santiago emphasized that aside from providing aid, the NBI will offer prayers for the typhoon victims. Nothing beats the bayanihan spirit of the Filipino people, especially during this season of giving.