Songs of Christmas: #2

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#2 Band Aid, "Do They Know It's Christmas" (1984)

I woke up this morning to this song playing on our clock radio.  When it was done, the host, Molly Johnson talked about this song and about Christmas  .She was saying that she thought the World Vision gift catalogue was a great idea for Christmas.  Molly suggested that this is what Christmas is all about: giving good gifts to those in need.  Molly is a wise woman. 

On November 25, 1984 Bob Geldof brought together all the musical power that the UK pop scene could muster - he brought them together to spread a message and bring some much needed help.  He brought them together in response to the severe famine in Ethiopia.  That is what this song is about: spreading the message of Christmas, the message of hope, in a tangible way.

It's Christmas time, there's no need to be afraid
At Christmas time, we let in light and we banish shade

And in our world of plenty, we can spread a smile of joy
Throw your arms around the world at Christmas time


But say a prayer - pray for the other ones
At Christmas time it's hard, but when you're having fun
There's a world outside your window
And it's a world of dreaded fear
Where the only water flowing is a bitter sting of tears
And the Christmas bells that ring there are the clanging chimes of doom 
Well tonight thank God it's them instead of you 

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?  

This song is a call to all those with plenty, a call to remember Jesus' words to us: "Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me."  If we believe in Christmas, if we believe that God sent his Son to unite with humanity - to become one of us, becoming incarnate in human flesh - that we might find salvation, joy, and hope... if we believe in Christmas, then we must answer the call.

Oh, I enjoy the various singers in this one.  Vocally, Boy George is at the top of his game here.  And Bono's haunting (and convicting) cry.  I can't shake it for the whole season.  This song is a must for the holiday season.  It's here to stay (and don't waste your time with the more recent renditions).

This could have quite easily been number one.  It really was a struggle to give it only the penultimate position - if there could have been a tie, I would have done it.

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