One of my favorite songs about Christmas time (the holiday) was released in 1984 and it’s called “Do they know it’s Christmas?”. It was recorded by an ensemble of British and Irish artists, known as Band Aid, with the goal to raise funds to help fight famine in Africa.
Years went by, but unfortunately the problem is still the same. In 2011, the region known as the Horn of Africa suffered one of the worst draughts ever and famine claimed many lives.
And that is not the only region that registers alarming number of deaths related to poverty in Africa. That brings to mind the lyrics of that song…
And there won’t be snow in Africa this Christmas time
The greatest gift they’ll get this year is life.
Where nothing ever grows
No rain or rivers flow
Do they know it’s Christmas time at all?
One of the things that touched me deeply about that song was the honesty in the lyrics. Who would dare say “tonight thank God it’s them instead of you”? Bono did. His voice on the song resounds for almost 20 years now, reminding us that we, who are able to celebrate Christmas with our loved ones, with gifts, joy and peace, should also remember the ones that have no reason or will to celebrate.
Most of all, we need to look deeper into the true meaning of Christmas and remember Jesus, who came to the world to be our king, and was born in a manger. He, who could have anything He could ever want, choose to give up everything and die for us.
And He said that the love that we show for one another would identify ourselves as His disciples:
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:35)
Through love we can make a difference. We can touch lives and change their fate. And when we talk about Jesus’ love, they will get it because they saw it in us.
Let’s give them hope. Let’s help them know it’s Christmas time. Let’s help them know Christ.
Let us remember that challenging song and let our heart hear their cry for help:
If you don’t have any idea how you can help, check out this post, where I give a few suggestions. No matter how you choose to help, please keep the victims of famine and poverty in your prayers. They desperately need it.
I had never heard that song!! The only true excuse I could have, is that that stretch of time in my life was very intense… just months after my divorce, trying to feed and care for my kids, working hard, etc. [trusting GOD, but having a hard time on nearly every side].
My husband [God dropped him into my life in ’85] and I both watch reports such as this on TV and say, “And we are HERE. Why can’t we go THERE?” Even though we were missionaries for a while in Uganda, we so want to help others. But it hasn’t opened to go outside of the States for any great length of time. Now, He dropped Bhutanese refugees into our lives here in Omaha, and that’s good. But when I listened to this song, my heart went back to the “… why can’t we go there?” One reason? It’s not just food and basic clothing that is needed here for the refugees. It’s computers, iPods, drivers licenses and cars, and on and on… materialism. I guess that’s what’s necessary for communication, jobs, etc., but FOOD and care at a famine makes more sense to me.
Sorry if this is so long. But you tore into my heart, so you need to put up with me.
Blessings.
Joanne, your comments inspire me so much, please feel free to write as much as you feel like. And thank you again for sharing your experience and your feelings.
Lately, God has been “flooding” me with themes such as this, and I am praying that he prepares an opportunity that I can go to a place in Brazil or in Africa or wherever He wants, to try and help people personally.
I’ve been praying and waiting for the right opportunity. I want to make sure that I do as He wills.
I think that He is also touching your heart with the will to go again and help others because He is preparing something for you and your husband. I pray that He prepares the way for you both for another opportunity like that. Wait for the right time, I’m sure it’s coming…
I will probably write more about the theme of helping others in need because it is something that I have been feeling so strongly about lately. I hope you will enjoy it!
What’s funny is that after I commented, I ended up helping one of my dear couples get their paperwork in place to fax info needed for a health insurance issue. Then also was involved in helping them with car insurance details b/c their car [he’d been a driver for less than 6 months and had a car for 5 months] had been hit by someone who ran a stop sign. When the accident happened last week, Pemba called me so I could get there fast and help him understand what the policeman needed to know and how insurance could be handled. I’m now becoming a common side-name for the insurance company, even if it’s not for Pemba, b/c they can use me to help explain details to the new U.S. growers. So, later I thought that since this is critical for their job survival… which helps them have the necessary food … I’d better be content with helping any way the Lord lays things onto my life. My husband is a computer fixer/donator, a piano teacher, a drum teacher, a handyman… so can help so many who are in need in any fashion. BUT we want to be useful!! I’m trying to keep my attitude in the “whatever you want of me, Lord, I will do it.”
Brazil is such a large country, covers so many ethnic groups and land variations that I can hardly think of another part of the world that would need much more than you can/could contribute to their spiritual foundations and growth. My main motto of several years is: Right Place, Right Time. That’s all I can truly lean on for the Lord. Whether it’s my house in one particular neighborhood or a call to drive across the country so I will meet one hitchhiker in one place who needs not only a ride, but a Word from the Lord, that’s what counts. Patience is NOT my strong character.aspect, believe me, but I do try to obey when He calls me to do something.
Nice to visit with you. Would like to know you better.
Blessings.
Joanne, you reminded me of something very important: every task that we get from God is important for Him.
I agree that the help you are providing is important, no doubt! I’m glad that, while we wait for new opportunities, God never lets us be idle… Every small act of kindness towards others is essential for our christian life and spiritual growth.
I am not a patient person, actually I am very anxious, so for many years God has worked to help me learn to wait for the right time. It’s not easy, not easy at all! But I know that doing things in my timing instead of God’s doesn’t work. I’ve been there…
As you said, Brazil is huge and there are many many opportunities to help. I am praying about a couple of ideas I had, I hope God confirms them.
I’m so glad to talk to you! Thanks again for sharing!