You all know I am a pastor, so if you don't want to read any further, you won't offend. But, there is something here for everyone who reads to the end.

As a pastor, I've seen the horror that the "holiday season" brings. I have more individuals and couples come in to talk to me between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day (basically 1 month and 1 week) than any other **3 month** period. Statistically, there are more suicides in that same time frame than any other 6 months combined.

The reason? They are multiple reasons why, but one of the biggies is the preoccupation with 'things.' I may be 'what' to get for Christmas or whether I'll/we'll be able to 'afford' what I want to buy for... Sometimes it is the loss of a dear loved one, and Christmas becomes very hard without that individual there to celebrate with them.

I know of one balm for all these woes, it is the gift of love that God gave of His only begotten Son. His love is the reason for Christmas. Without His birth, there would be no time off from school - no vacation for teachers - no extended days off for other employees.

As much as I'd encourage you to spend time and celebrate our Savior's birth, even if you cannot do that with me, I encourage you to keep your eyes open. There are people hurting all around you, if we are but open to see them. A kind word here. A hug there. An invitation to join you in your celebration. A invitation to let them bend your ear for a few hours.

Let us all make a difference in those around us this year.

Peace of the Lord be with you.
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Thanks Todd. Christmas blessings for you and yours
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Thanks Brother. That is the best thing I have read all day. MERRY CHRISTmas everyone.
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Amen! :-)

It will be my family's first Christmas without my father being alive. I can understand the emotions that are involved! However, I know that he is with God, and rejoice.
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Thanks, Todd. You are a definite blessing to me, brother.

May the Christ of Christmas bless you and your family with a happy and healthy New Year.

:-)
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You are correct, of course. Trite as it may sound: Jesus IS the reason for the season. And, yes, wise men still seek him! Emmanuel!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPHh3...eature=related
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God Bless you Brother and thanks for the reminder. I have been full time in EMS for the last 7.5 years and it is heartbreaking to have to be called to the suicides that take place this time of year. I never have been to one that I didn't think how hard the Holidays will be for the family left behind, for the rest of their lives. Truly thanks for the reminder, for sometimes all it takes to belay that kind of decision is a kind word or a smile. The smallest of things that we can do, sometimes has eternal consequences and we may not ever know till we reach heaven what we may have done for someone that made a life changing event for them. Merry Christmas to all of my friends here at CA.:-)
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Thanks for your kind words my friends.

Merry Christmas to you all.
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Great Thread, Todd, & Merry Christmas To You & Your Family!:-)
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Great post! Thanks, and God bless.
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Thank you for the thoughts and the reminder of what this season is about. Peace to you.
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God bless you Todd and have a joyful Christmas.
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Thank you Reverand for reminding us of this. It's so easy to get caught up in the gifts, the parties, and the endless commercialism surrounding Christmas that we forget about the true reason. Merry Christmas to you and yours and to all the inmates here.
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We lost a friend on my motorcylce board to suicide around Thanksgiving. I lost my brother to it a year ago. Please let those around you know how much you care about them and how much you love them. It is a time to celebrate all the provision God has given us, but also a time to bring ourselves closer to those we love.
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Depression is a vicious evil, blinding people to the love of those around them. Talk with friends and loved ones. If you sense they need help, they may not seek it out themselves, direct them to it - take them to it if need be. Get them help!

Peace of the Lord be with you.
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Amen Brother, I have seen to much of this the past few years. Its a growing epidemic.
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As the day approaches, I thought I'd sign in here one more time and wish you all the very best I have to offer, unfortunately it doesn't come from me, I am way to corrupt to offer you much.

However, I give unto you what has been given to me as a gift from God, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger, hidden in human flesh, waiting to be unwrapped on Good Friday - Peace on earth, good will toward men.

If I offended any here, forgive me. If I have hurt any here, forgive me.

May God who gave us the most holy gift, bless you with peace and joy this Christmas.
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Merry CHRISTmas Todd. :-)
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Rev, if you offend then they need to look inside. Hugs and prayers sent to all that will take them. The best gift that most can give is time to people in need.
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Thanks Rev, God Bless you and yours as well. :-) Peace of the Lord
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