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Kristi's Crypt

•  Ways We're Different This Christmas

    for families impacted by September 11, 2001

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

  Last Christmas we were placing wreaths on the doors of our homes;
  This Christmas, we're placing wreaths on the graves of our heroes.

  Last Christmas we were counting our money;
  This Christmas we're counting our blessings.

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

  Last Christmas we were getting on each other'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 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 believed in the power of the pocketbook;
  This Christmas we believe in the power of prayer.

  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,
  firefighters, and military uniforms.

  Last Christmas "peace on earth" is something we prayed for
  on Sunday mornings;
  Now it is something we pray for everyday.

  Last Christmas people around the world gathered to celebrate
  family and faith;
  This Christmas people around the world will gather to
  celebrate family and faith.

  And this year, as we continue this age-old tradition, we will
  understand, as never before, the meaning and magic of each.