Refugees. According to the UNHCR 10,400,000 of the world's people are refugees. Driven out by war, disaster and persecution, they will NOT be home for Christmas. Pray for them.
Bereaved & Destitute. Many people have "lost" their home to ill circumstance. A death, a divorce, a disaster or a departure will displace many this Christmas. The home that was, just isn't there any more. Spare a thought for those who grieve at Christmas.
Workers & Carers. A significant number of people will not be home because of an obligation to work or a choice to serve. Some will be too far away to get home and many will be making a calculated sacrifice. Open your heart to those who serve this Christmas.
In the original Christmas story no one is "at home". The young couple are in a foreign city with inadequate provisions (Lk 2:4-7). The Saviour is leaving his "home in glory" to come and "tent" among us (Jn 1:14). And the shepherds (Lk 2:8) and the wise men (Mt 2:1) are on the job and on the move. Christmas year one is not cosy.
I'd like to propose an addition to an old song. An added stanza just to help us reflect.
In 1943 Bing Crosby recorded the hit single "I'll Be Home For Christmas". The words are the wishful thoughts of a WWII soldier on active overseas duty. He longs to go home. The song ends: "I'll be home for Christmas if only in my dreams". This is a powerful and winsome sentiment, but not a specifically Christian ideal.
So, here's a new stanza. Sing it with a prayer.
Christmas Eve will find me, sharing Jesus' cares,
I'll be with the homeless, if only in my prayers.
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