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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