Christmas Is Not The Same For Everyone
Posted: Monday, December 28, 2009
by Michael Gaffley
flatlinetochange
Christmas is a definitive time for people. The haves and the have nots are clearly distinguishable. Rich and poor are in stark contrast. How are people different at Christmas time?
1. Those that are facing their first Christmas without a loved one that they have lost shortly before Christmas or earlier in the year. They may have planned a cruise, a trip or just something fun to do together this Christmas.
2. Couples that divorced. It is hard on the one who is on the receiving end and never wanted the divorce. One might be blissfully happy while the other drowns in a pool of tears.
3. The children who have lost a parent because of the divorce. The pain of the first Christmas without mom or dad in the house is excruciatingly painful.
4. Those that lost their job during this year. They could not buy the food they used to. They could not buy gifts.
5. Those that lost their homes because of unemployment, foreclosure and the economic crisis. It must be hard on them to see others who are happy and lighting up their homes.
6. Homeless people are particularly aware of their plight during this season. They too miss their family and former friends. Please do not judge them too harshly. WE may not understand the cause of their homelessness but we can at least allow them to explain it to us. Maybe we can help if we care enough.
7. Children in Foster Care. Spare a thought for them. Some are blissfully happy while others are yearning for a parent. This parent might not even care about them.
8. Children who have been adopted can count themselves lucky. Those that have not been adopted might still feel rejection and may not have any sense of belonging.
9. Those that have faith and hope and those who have lost all faith and hope in this life and its ultimate outcome.
10. Then there are those who are picture perfect as a family but ungratefulness for their many blessings makes them grinch.
11. And then there are those who are taken for a ride at Christmas time. They become blindfolded to reality by all sorts of glib promises and seasonal flattery. When they wake up after the steaming seasonal romance they sit alone with the cold white ashes of what one was supposed to be the love of a lifetime. Many, many abortions, unwanted pregnancies and unwanted children would not be if people do not allow themselves into believing that because it is Christmas it is okay to indulge.
12. Those who are in prison far away from their loved ones and those who are imprisoned by a mindset that separates them form family who are close at hand. Both physical imprisonment and mental imprisonment causes pain to self and others.
13. I thank God for those who work and render essential services so that we can enjoy our Christmas with peace of mind in safe spaces. Think of security personnel, doctors, fire fighters, nurses, garbage collectors, police, road rangers, FBI, TSA, CIA and the armed forces. Think especially of those who are on a tour of duty far away from their homes and families.
14. I tip my hat to those people who during the Christmas season roll up their sleeves dig deep into their pockets and open their hearts and homes to those whose fortunes are different than their own. Grace alone makes our difference. We join volunteer organizations and occasions because we are thankful and want to bring Christmas cheer though our services.
15. I pray especially for those who have hardened their hearts and refuse to make Christmas a better time for those who craves their love. Please do not let family feuds wreak havoc on Christmas.
Please feel free to add to the list of different kinds of people and situations during the Christmas Season.
Please feel free to join www.searchwarp.com.
t;
<script type='text/javascript'>
var dc_AdLinkColor = '#00aef0' ;
var dc_PublisherID = 127014 ;
</script>
<script type='text/javascript' src='http://kona.kontera.com/javascript/lib/KonaLibInline.js'>
</script>
1. Those that are facing their first Christmas without a loved one that they have lost shortly before Christmas or earlier in the year. They may have planned a cruise, a trip or just something fun to do together this Christmas.
3. The children who have lost a parent because of the divorce. The pain of the first Christmas without mom or dad in the house is excruciatingly painful.
4. Those that lost their job during this year. They could not buy the food they used to. They could not buy gifts.
5. Those that lost their homes because of unemployment, foreclosure and the economic crisis. It must be hard on them to see others who are happy and lighting up their homes.
6. Homeless people are particularly aware of their plight during this season. They too miss their family and former friends. Please do not judge them too harshly. WE may not understand the cause of their homelessness but we can at least allow them to explain it to us. Maybe we can help if we care enough.
7. Children in Foster Care. Spare a thought for them. Some are blissfully happy while others are yearning for a parent. This parent might not even care about them.
8. Children who have been adopted can count themselves lucky. Those that have not been adopted might still feel rejection and may not have any sense of belonging.
9. Those that have faith and hope and those who have lost all faith and hope in this life and its ultimate outcome.
10. Then there are those who are picture perfect as a family but ungratefulness for their many blessings makes them grinch.
11. And then there are those who are taken for a ride at Christmas time. They become blindfolded to reality by all sorts of glib promises and seasonal flattery. When they wake up after the steaming seasonal romance they sit alone with the cold white ashes of what one was supposed to be the love of a lifetime. Many, many abortions, unwanted pregnancies and unwanted children would not be if people do not allow themselves into believing that because it is Christmas it is okay to indulge.
12. Those who are in prison far away from their loved ones and those who are imprisoned by a mindset that separates them form family who are close at hand. Both physical imprisonment and mental imprisonment causes pain to self and others.
13. I thank God for those who work and render essential services so that we can enjoy our Christmas with peace of mind in safe spaces. Think of security personnel, doctors, fire fighters, nurses, garbage collectors, police, road rangers, FBI, TSA, CIA and the armed forces. Think especially of those who are on a tour of duty far away from their homes and families.
14. I tip my hat to those people who during the Christmas season roll up their sleeves dig deep into their pockets and open their hearts and homes to those whose fortunes are different than their own. Grace alone makes our difference. We join volunteer organizations and occasions because we are thankful and want to bring Christmas cheer though our services.
15. I pray especially for those who have hardened their hearts and refuse to make Christmas a better time for those who craves their love. Please do not let family feuds wreak havoc on Christmas.
Please feel free to add to the list of different kinds of people and situations during the Christmas Season.
Please feel free to join www.searchwarp.com.
t;<script type='text/javascript'>
var dc_AdLinkColor = '#00aef0' ;
var dc_PublisherID = 127014 ;
</script>
<script type='text/javascript' src='http://kona.kontera.com/javascript/lib/KonaLibInline.js'>
</script>
This Article has been viewed 1,527 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (5 total)Hi Michael,I read this earlier today and was pondering it. I found that you had very good points and valuble things to think about. We try everyday to love the underdog, yet your article was a good reminder for us (Mark and I) of where we could remember more that may be suffering. Thank you.Blessings,Michelle
Michael, you touch on so many scenarios; I am reminded of how blessed I have been in my life and that I need to be actively mindful of others.
Hi Michael,We should be sensitive that our society is wanting. Still, I think ours is not a world intended for suffering, but a world of abundant good, where life is meant to be enjoyed. For the most part, our misery is the doing of men.Remember, you are all LICENSED TO LIVE.
I just spent Xmas with a family in that situation. We were at a relation's house and everyone handled it in a very civilised fashion. Christmas is for the children and it's up to the parents to set aside their own divisions to ensure that the kids have a good time. Hearing about fathers denied access to their children at Christmas is a terrible thing.Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this matter.
Thanks for a great article. Having been in several of the situations described, it touched home. It's important to remember that all of the difficult and painful situations we go through help us stretch and grow our faith. It's after that growth that we can have compassion for others.Mel you have said it well. Watch out for my book with many more scenarios: Flatline to Change
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.