Rusieljs G. Lunasco
CPU President Dr. Teodoro Robles giving the Welcome and Greetings.
The CPU Community gathered for the annual white gift service held yesterday, December 16, 2020 at the University Church. Most of the faculty and staff were in their offices and homes watching the live stream.
The invocation was led by University Church Christian Education Director Rev. Ruth G. Lunasco. The readings and lighting of the advent candle were led by Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Esther Rose Romarate, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Irving Domingo Rio, Vice President for Finance and Administration Dr. Florence Bogacia, CPU President Dr. Teodoro Robles and University Church Senior Pastor Rev. Cris Amorsolo Sian.
In his welcome and greetings Dr. Robles expressed his gratefulness that despite the pandemic, CPU can still commemorate traditions that make December more meaningful. He also said that this season constantly reminds us to share. “As Christians, we realize that we are called to go out and give. We give because we have also been given the greatest gift of all – Jesus Christ and the gift of eternal life in Him.”
Participants in the reading of the Legend of the White Gift.
In his reflection, Rev. Sian talked about the real essence of Christmas, which is Jesus. He also emphasized incarnation and what it means during this time.
“What does this mean for us today? It means that we can encounter the living God in the ordinary things in life. God is here with us today as we worship. We do not have to wait until we go to heaven, to have a personal encounter with God, we can meet God in the mundane details of life. When we help the victims of the flood, landslides, earthquakes, when we come together in worship and fellowship. When you teach in your classroom when you are in the business office, facing clients, when you attend meetings, when you smell the flowers, when you revel upon the beauty of the sunset, or when you enjoy laughing with friends and family members, God’s holiness can be experienced. That’s what incarnation means he is with us embracing all our circumstances whether we are at the heights of merrymaking or in the depths of despair.”
The University Church Choir gave excerpts of some of their songs for their upcoming cantata on December 20.
University Church Pastor for Outreach Rev. Roger Quimpo led the Christmas Prayer. Representatives from the different colleges and departments presented their gifts in the altar.
The University Church Choir gave excerpts of the songs for their upcoming cantata on December 20. The Legend of the White Gift was read by Office of the President Executive Assistant Ms. Carmelle Frances Romero with the special participation of College of Engineering faculty Engr. Vitini Idemne, CPU Symphonic Band Director Mr. Ascencion Bautista, Miss Danielle Virl Idemne, Miss Win Heart Tandog and Miss Samantha Sure Alog.