1. Last Christmas, we were thinking about all the things we didn't have; this Christmas, we are thinking about all of the things that
we do have.

2. Last Christmas, we were placing wreaths on the doors of our homes; this Christmas, many are placing wreaths on the graves
of our heroes.

3. Last Christmas, many were letting our sons play with toy guns; this Christmas, we are teaching them that guns are not toys.

4. Last Christmas, we were counting our money; this Christmas, we are counting our blessings.

5. Last Christmas, we paid lip service to the real meaning of the holidays; this Christmas, we are paying homage to it.

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

7. 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.

8. 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.

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

10. 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 hero.

11. Last Christmas, we were thinking about the madness of the holidays; this Christmas, we are thinking about the meaning of them.

12. Last Christmas, we were getting on one another's nerves; this Christmas, we are getting on our knees.

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

14. 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 money can't buy--a sense of security, safety, peace.

15. Last Christmas, we were thinking about all the pressure we were under at the office; this Christmas, we are thinking about all of the people who no longer have an office to go to.

16. Last Christmas, we were singing carols; this Christmas, we are singing anthems.

17. 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.

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

19. 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.

20. Last Christmas, we believed in the power of the pocketbook; this Christmas, we believe in the power of prayer.

21. Last Christmas, we were sharing, spreading and listening to gossip; this Christmas, we are sharing, spreading and listening to the Gospel.

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

23. Last Christmas, we valued things that were costly; this Christmas, we value things that are Holy.

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

25. Last Christmas, "peace on earth" was something we prayed for on Sunday mornings; now, it is something we pray for every day.

WOULD YOU FOLLOW?

How many would follow the star tonight,
If it shone past the Milky Way,
Leave comfortable homes and follow it still
Over the hills and away?

How many would open their doors tonight,
For a weary and shabby pair,
Make room at hearths for a Stranger-Child,
Though the Infant be wondrous fair?

How many would give of their goods tonight,
The best they possess and more,
For their faith in a star and and angel choir,
And a King forevermore?

We censure the folk of a bygone time,
For indifference to Mary's plight.
How many would do any better now?
Would you follow the star tonight?

Written by: Helen E. Middleton

When they saw the star,
they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.
Matthew 2:10

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