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Coping with the 9.11.01 Aftermath

Last Christmas, This Christmas

By: Anonymous Author

• Last Christmas we were thinking about all the things we didn't have;
• This Christmas we are thinking  about all the things we do have.

• Last Christmas we were placing wreaths on the doors of our homes;
• This Christmas we are placing wreaths on the graves of our heroes.

• Last Christmas we were counting our money;
• This Christmas we are counting our blessings.

• Last Christmas we paid lip service to the real meaning of the holidays;
• This Christmas we are paying  homage to it.

• 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 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 were trying not to let annoying relatives get the best of us;
• This Christmas we are trying to give the best of ourselves to them.

• Last Christmas we thought it was enough to celebrate the holidays;
• This Christmas we know we must also find ways to consecrate them.

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

• Last Christmas we were thinking about the madness of the holidays;
• This Christmas we are thinking about the meaning of them.

• Last Christmas we were getting on one another'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 wondering how to give our children all the things that money can buy- the hottest toys the latest fashions, the newest gadgets;
• This Christmas we are wondering how to give them all the things it can't-a sense of security, safety, peace.

• Last Christmas we were thinking about all the pressure we are under at the office;
• This Christmas we are thinking about the people that no longer have an office.

• Last Christmas we were singing carols;
• This  Christmas we are singing anthems.

• 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 were contemplating all the changes we wanted to make in the New Year;
• This  Christmas we are contemplating all the changes we will have to make in this new reality.

• Last Christmas we believed in the power of the  pocketbook;
• This Christmas we believe in the power of  prayer.

• Last Christmas we were sharing /spreading/listening to gossip;
• This Christmas we are  sharing/spreading/listening to the gospel.

• Last Christmas we were complaining about how much of our earnings went to pay taxes;
• This Christmas we comprehend that freedom isn't free.

• 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, firefighter, and military uniforms.

• Last Christmas "peace on earth" was something we prayed for on Sunday morning;
• Now it is something we pray for every day
  
   

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