Ways We're Different This Christmas

Last Christmas we were placing wreaths on the doors of our homes;
this Christmas we're placing wreaths on the graves of our heroes.

Last Christmas we were counting our money;
this Christmas we're counting our blessings.

Last Christmas we were lighting candles to decorate;
this Christmas we are lighting candles to commemorate.

Last Christmas we were digging deep into our bank accounts to find the money to fly home for the holidays;
this Christmas we are digging deep into our souls to find the courage to do so.

Last Christmas we thought a man who could rush down a football field was a hero;
this Christmas we know that a man who rushes into a burning building is the real hero.

Last Christmas we were getting on each other's nerves;
this Christmas we are getting on our knees.

Last Christmas we were giving thanks for gifts from stores;
this Christmas we are giving thanks for gifts from God.

Last Christmas we were thinking how good it would feel to be affluent;
this Christmas we are thinking how good it feels to be alive.

Last Christmas we thought angels were in heaven;
this Christmas we know some are right here on earth.

Last Christmas we believed in the power of the pocket book;
this Christmas we believe in the power of prayer.

Last Christmas we valued things that were costly;
this Christmas we value things that are holy.

Last Christmas the people we idolized wore football, basketball, and baseball uniforms;
this Christmas the people we idolize wear police, firefighters, and military uniforms.

Last Christmas "peace on earth" is something we prayed for on Sunday mornings;
now it is something we pray for everyday.

Last Christmas people around the world gathered to celebrate family and faith;
this Christmas people around the world will gather to celebrate family and faith.  And this year, as we continue this age-old tradition, we will understand in ways we never have the meaning and magic of each.

May God Bless you and your family this Christmas!