First of all, I am not a theologian or a religious expert but just an avid reader so my thoughts are my opinions and I could be wrong.
During Sinulog 2023, I read and heard some arguments on why Filipino Catholics celebrate the worship of the Sto. Nino. A few comments mentioned that this is not Bible-based or is only specific to this country (though I can recall that other countries do worship baby Jesus).
If we are to believe history, the image of the Sto Nino was brought by Spain to the local islands as a means to spread the Christian faith. Why not use the symbolic image of the cross or any religious portrait is understandable given that the natives will probably not understand who or what this is. Imagine showing Buddha or a statue of the Buddha to someone from colonial Africa and there is a big chance that they will not know who or what this is.
How or why the image of the Sto Nino was used during these colonial times is beyond me. But apparently it was used by the conquistadores, together with the cross, to convert the natives. The faith, history and tradition carried over to this day.
And a partial answer to the critics on why worship the Sto Nino or baby Jesus. It is in the scriptures why children and the baby Jesus were special. In Matthew 18, Joseph and family presented Jesus to the Temple. A certain Simeon and Anna, who we can probably say are prophets knew about Jesus instantly. Simeon said "
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss[c] your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”
This passage also shows that Jesus was destined not only to be the savior of Israel who was under Roman yoke, but for all of humanity.
In Matthew 18, Jesus revealed that the children are the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Why? If you ask me, children are innocent, they will do what makes them happy, they are humble, and they are a joy to be with. In a normal environment, a child should be truthful and happy.
Now why the image? I am not sure how the image of the Sto Nino came to be but if the image strengthens your faith in Jesus, then good. As long as your are worshiping the "Man", it should be fine.
My preference? I like the Cross better. It shows Jesus at the moment He sacrificed himself to save humanity - to be the bull, doves, etc of the Old Testament which the priests sacrificed regularly but only this time, there will only be ONE sacrifice on the Cross. Whereas the priests performed rituals on temples, Jesus performed it on his own body - the modern Temple, the place for the Holy Spirit. He died, resurrected (conquered death), and ascended in this new uplifted body.
rb28
