Tis the season

RevSmoke · 12-17-2010, 06:10 PM

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.

timo · 12-17-2010, 06:20 PM

Thanks Todd. Christmas blessings for you and yours

Ogre · 12-17-2010, 07:27 PM

Thanks Brother. That is the best thing I have read all day. MERRY CHRISTmas everyone.

SvilleKid · 12-17-2010, 07:32 PM

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.

SmokeyJoe · 12-17-2010, 08:49 PM

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.

hotreds · 12-17-2010, 08:58 PM

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

G G · 12-17-2010, 09:03 PM

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.

RevSmoke · 12-18-2010, 08:50 AM

Thanks for your kind words my friends.

Merry Christmas to you all.

longknocker · 12-18-2010, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RevSmoke

Thanks for your kind words my friends.

Merry Christmas to you all.

Great Thread, Todd, & Merry Christmas To You & Your Family!

Gophernut · 12-18-2010, 09:54 AM

Great post! Thanks, and God bless.

jesseboston81 · 12-18-2010, 02:04 PM

Thank you for the thoughts and the reminder of what this season is about. Peace to you.

Volusianator · 12-18-2010, 02:09 PM

God bless you Todd and have a joyful Christmas.

maninblack · 12-18-2010, 08:53 PM

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.

Ratters · 12-18-2010, 10:49 PM

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.

RevSmoke · 12-18-2010, 11:17 PM

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.

Ogre · 12-18-2010, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RevSmoke

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.

Amen Brother, I have seen to much of this the past few years. Its a growing epidemic.

RevSmoke · 12-23-2010, 10:20 AM

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.

GolfNut · 12-23-2010, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RevSmoke

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.

Merry CHRISTmas Todd.

ashtonlady · 12-23-2010, 11:09 AM

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.

landhoney · 12-23-2010, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RevSmoke

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.

Thanks Rev, God Bless you and yours as well.

Peace of the Lord

12-17-2010, 06:10 PM	#1
RevSmoke Ain't Never Gonna Leave Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Todd Location: Northcentral woods of Wisconsin Posts: 6,861 Trading: (51)	Tis the season 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. __________________ Todd__ "Smoke what you like, and enjoy it!"

12-17-2010, 06:20 PM	#2
timo Feeling at Home Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: MA Posts: 723 Trading: (0)	Re: Tis the season Thanks Todd. Christmas blessings for you and yours __________________ Smoking is one of the leading causes of statistics

12-17-2010, 07:27 PM	#3
Ogre **CENSORED** Join Date: Apr 2010 First Name: Larry Location: Central Florida Posts: 12,068 Trading: (46)	Re: Tis the season Thanks Brother. That is the best thing I have read all day. MERRY CHRISTmas everyone.

12-17-2010, 07:32 PM	#4
SvilleKid Yes I am a Pirate Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 33°46′08″N 86°28′16″W / 33.76895°N 86.471037°W Posts: 2,776 Trading: (52)	Re: Tis the season 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. __________________ Ceilin' fan it stirs the air, Cigar smoke does swirl. The fragrance on the pillow case, and he thinks about the girl. Thanks, JB, 1975.

12-17-2010, 08:49 PM	#5
SmokeyJoe Chief Wannastogie Lounge Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Joe Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 3,163 Trading: (28)	Re: Tis the season 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. __________________ "I intend to smoke a good cigar to the glory of God..." ~ Charles H. Spurgeon, British Baptist preacher

12-17-2010, 08:58 PM	#6
hotreds Ephesians 2:8 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 5 miles past "Resume Speed" Posts: 11,665 Trading: (63)	Re: Tis the season 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 __________________ God loves you so much, that he made you read this, just to let you know.

12-17-2010, 09:03 PM	#7
G G BR549 Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Greg Location: Taylor, FL. Posts: 12,730 Trading: (10)	Re: Tis the season 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.

12-18-2010, 08:50 AM	#8
RevSmoke Ain't Never Gonna Leave Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Todd Location: Northcentral woods of Wisconsin Posts: 6,861 Trading: (51)	Re: Tis the season Thanks for your kind words my friends. Merry Christmas to you all. __________________ Todd__ "Smoke what you like, and enjoy it!"

12-18-2010, 09:54 AM	#10
Gophernut Have My Own Room Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Steve Location: Hudson, WI Posts: 1,661 Trading: (15)	Re: Tis the season Great post! Thanks, and God bless. __________________ "My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government." Thomas Jefferson

12-18-2010, 02:04 PM	#11
jesseboston81 CC Simple PIF Promoter Join Date: Dec 2010 First Name: Jesse Location: Londonderry, NH Posts: 2,231 Trading: (41)	Re: Tis the season Thank you for the thoughts and the reminder of what this season is about. Peace to you. __________________ Come play in the CC Simple PIF!

12-18-2010, 02:09 PM	#12
Volusianator Bikes, Babes & Cigars! Join Date: Feb 2009 First Name: Wade Location: Green Bay, WI Posts: 1,438 Trading: (17)	Re: Tis the season God bless you Todd and have a joyful Christmas. __________________ Overtime pays more because of what you're missing, money isn't everything.

12-18-2010, 08:53 PM	#13
maninblack Will smoke for food Join Date: Jan 2010 First Name: Kevin Location: Where the hoot owls f$ck the chickens Posts: 10,637 Trading: (80)	Re: Tis the season 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. __________________ Proud member of the GMCGTPWHAFA

12-18-2010, 10:49 PM	#14
Ratters Have My Own Room Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 1,848 Trading: (2)	Re: Tis the season 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.

12-18-2010, 11:17 PM	#15
RevSmoke Ain't Never Gonna Leave Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Todd Location: Northcentral woods of Wisconsin Posts: 6,861 Trading: (51)	Re: Tis the season 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. __________________ Todd__ "Smoke what you like, and enjoy it!"

12-23-2010, 10:20 AM	#17
RevSmoke Ain't Never Gonna Leave Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Todd Location: Northcentral woods of Wisconsin Posts: 6,861 Trading: (51)	Re: Tis the season 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. __________________ Todd__ "Smoke what you like, and enjoy it!"

12-23-2010, 11:09 AM	#19
ashtonlady The Lady is Here Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Laura Location: Seattle WA Posts: 1,090 Trading: (8)	Re: Tis the season 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.