Do They Know It's Christmas?

Friday, December 13, 2013
Listen to this devotional:
Listen while you read: "Hark The Herald Angels Sing"1 (Lyrics)

Luke 2:7 – And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. (KJV)

Hebrews 6:19 – This certain hope of being saved is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls, connecting us with God himself behind the sacred curtains of heaven. (TLB)

In 1984, Sir Bob Geldof and Midge Ure wrote a song titled Do They Know It's Christmas? to raise money for the people of Ethiopia who were in dire need due to the famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Many musicians gathered together to perform the song and called themselves "Band Aid".

Also in 1984, Michael Jackson and Lionel Ritchie wrote a song titled We Are The World for the people of Africa which was performed by the Charity Group USA for Africa.

Today, there are still people in dire need throughout developing nations due to ongoing wars and disasters, the most recent of which is the devastation wrought on the people in some parts of the Philippines by Typhoon Haiyan. Latest reports are that 5,000 people have perished, and the survivors have been without water, food, and homes — the basic necessities of life.

The Filipinos whom I know locally and the ones I have met on holidays in different provinces or working on cruise ships, are strong in character and faith. They work at jobs some of us would not. They, especially mothers, leave their families to work abroad to send money home for a better life.

We shop amidst an abundance of anything we could ask for, and stores are inundated with Christmas things, making it impossible not to know that this is the Christmas season. Do the people in the ravaged parts of the Philippines know it's Christmas while they wait for roads to be opened to get supplies brought in for them?

Filipino communities everywhere immediately started fundraising; people have donated to many different charities and organizations. The Canadian government has promised to match what Canadians donate to registered charities.

Recently a group of musicians in the Philippines released their rendition of We Are The World. I believe that in sending help, supplies, and monetary gifts, especially through Christian agencies, we are communicating the true meaning of Christmas.

1 Corinthians 13:13 – And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. (KJV)

Prayer: Our Father God, as we celebrate this Christmas season, may we also make time to remember those who are without anything, those who are suffering, who are grieving, who are lonely and alone; and may we be a little more appreciative and thankful for all that we have. In Your name we pray, and give thanks for each day, especially for the birth of Your Son which gave us Christmas Day. Amen.

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About the author:

Mary Daniel <marydee@shaw.ca>
Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    A good reminder Mary. Thanks.


    Thanks Mary for sharing these beautiful thoughts.


    Thank you for this message. Some of us needed to hear it again. Blessings.


    Thank you so much. You expressed beautifully just what we need to hear.
    God bless.


    Hi Mary,
    Glad to see that you are back writing and very much to the heart as well. Many blessings and Merry Christmas.


    Dear Mary,
    Christmas greetings to you! It was so good to read your writing about the real story of Christmas. You have given us something important to think about.
    God bless.


    My child home was an Island off Vancouver Island. Island people are unique. Your devotional spoke as my heart sees it. This Christmas will be spent home alone. The first time in almost 50 years of marriage. At first I was sad but now I have joy in knowing we will spend it with the Christ of Christmas. How blessed we Christians are.


    I am happy to say since I have been reading these devotion daily it have changed my life. I started being more positive but most of all listening to God.
    I thank all the authors, ministers, pastors everyone for taking time to make a difference in my life and indeed all others who share the same feeling.
    May God continue to bless you all and your family not only on Christmas but all year through.
    (Trinidad)


    Mary
    For years your contributions to The Daily Devotional have been a blessing and an inspiration.
    Thank you for the thoughtful and apt expression of what the Christmas message is really all about, in the context of our modern and suffering world.
    May your service to the Lord continue for years to come.
    Greetings and blessings of the season to you and yours.


    Hi Mary
    So good to see your name at the bottom of the page!
    Your message we pray will help the charities in all countries to GIVE and not forget our fellow Christians around the world in their time of great need.
    I used the word Christian but, it is for all who suffer and we can pray in giving that it will encourage others to see and be aware what it means to be a Christian.
    God Bless you.


    Dear Mary Daniel,
    Yes, I pray that many will come to know that Christmas is the remembrance of the most important birth of all time.
    To God be the praise and glory for the radio stations that play inspiring Christian Christmas music.
    Keep writing Mary.


    Thanks for your thoughtful devotional, Mary.
    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!


    Good After Noon Mary:
    Christmas Eve Afternoon.
    Thank you for another challenging message and thank you for all your words of wisdom, comfort and challenge throughout the year.
    Wishing you a wonderful Christmas Season and a well New Year.
    God Bless.

 



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