In the midst of the busyness of the season, it’s easy to get wrapped up in our own affairs. But do we take the time to see those who do not seem like they will have a merry Christmas? Let’s listen to today’s devotion.

Doon ay may mga pastol na nasa parang at nagbabantay ng kanilang mga tupa nang gabing iyon. Ngunit sinabi sa kanila ng anghel, “Huwag kayong matakot! Ako’y may dalang magandang balita para sa inyo na magdudulot ng malaking kagalakan sa lahat ng tao.

Lucas 2:8,10

It’s been 20 years since Sandra, now 70, started living by herself. After her husband died and her three children, all grown, moved to different countries, she had to learn how to enjoy her own company. Bubuksan lang niya ang TV at para na rin siyang may kasama. It provides a background noise for her days, and her life. But Christmas always hits her hard. This year, walang Christmas tree at wala rin siyang Noche Buena. What’s the point? She thinks. Ako lang naman mag-isa.

Her new neighbor, Chayen, wondered if Sandra was lonely. When Chayen’s daughters, Sophia and Sonia, suggested that their family invite her over for a Christmas meal, she was touched. They also said, “Mommy, bigyan din natin siya ng gift para may bubuksan siya sa Pasko.”

In the midst of the busyness of the season, it’s easy to get wrapped up in our own affairs. We have gifts to buy, food to prepare, and parties to attend. But do we take the time to see those who do not seem like they will have a merry Christmas? When Jesus was born, there wasn’t a big party to welcome His coming. Instead, God, through the angels, chose to tell the lowly shepherds first. “The shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.’ And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger” (Luke 2:15–16, ESV).

God continues to invite us to see His Son, Jesus. Nobody gets any special treatment; everyone is invited. Like Him, shouldn’t we open our hearts in the same way too?

We hope that you’ll also share our devotion to those who need to hear this Christmas message. And we’ll see you again tomorrow for our series “Christmas: It’s About Jesus”.