The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we hear and read the news. Because of the coverage that centered on the pandemic, one of things that we have not probably heard or read is that January 25, 2021 is the National Bible Day in the Philippines. Republic Act No. 11163 which was enacted last 2018 states that the last Monday of January every year is National Bible Day.
It was on January 5, 2017 when the Philippine Government issued Proclamation No. 124 stating that January is Bible Month, and the last week of January as the National Bible Week.
A portion of this proclamation states, “History bears witness to the profound impact of the Bible on the life of nations, and how it has moved and inspired many people, including statesmen and social reformers to for work for the betterment of their fellow human beings even of great cost to themselves.”
Furthermore, “It is fitting and proper, for the molding of the spiritual, moral, and social fiber of our citizenry, that national attention be focused on the importance of reading and studying the Bible.”
So, what does it mean for us Christians?
First, let us remember the importance of the Bible in our lives.
Isaiah 40:8 says, “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” This means that everything that God said through His messengers is eternal. And if it is eternal, then it is important and valuable. Thus, we need to read it everyday for it is God’s revelation to us.
Second, studying and meditating on what the Bible says gives nourishment to our spiritual lives.
1 Peter 2:2-3 says, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” This means we should crave for the Word of God every day because if not, then we will undernourished in our spiritual lives.
Let us celebrate the National Bible Day not just every last Monday of January but every day!
Sincerely,
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Director, Office of Communications
Central Philippine University dewi5000