This document is an official United States Forces in the Philippines (USFIP), HQ Seventh Military District message, dated 25 December 1944. It contains a Christmas prayer and message of hope from General Douglas MacArthur for the members of the 7th Military District. The district, operating in the central and southern Philippines (primarily Negros, Bohol, and Cebu), was a critical component of the USFIP's guerrilla organization that harassed the occupying Japanese forces and prepared for the American return. The message, disseminated by Lieutenant Colonel Salvador Abcede, Commander of the 7th Military District, aimed to bolster the morale and resolve of the Filipino and American forces fighting under extremely difficult conditions during the 1944–45 Philippine Campaign. Its date places it shortly after the start of the pivotal Battle of Leyte and provides insight into the psychological and emotional support offered by high command to front-line guerrilla units. It is a testament to the command structure and the personal, faith-based leadership style employed during the liberation of the Philippines.
Christmas message from General MacArthur for dissemination to every member of the 7th Military District