Dear @Rain , hope this is an ok place to post this, if not I can come back and delete, but I was thinking, re: this thread, also a Christian perspective, but even that is not necessary- let's just say all the commercial representations around Christmas, that being a primary example- well, everything about the first Christmas, and leading up to it and much post, was filled with much suffering, struggle and doubt, fear and physical and emotional pain. Much struggle. In fact, many of the details of the facts and journey were undoubtedly traumatic or even ptsd-causing-worthy: rejection and homelessness, no family there; taking things on faith; overcoming doubt; no pain meds; fleeing what would be orders for death, etc. I mean, it all looks lovely on a Christmas movie, but I don't think it even says anything in the Bible (tho I'm not entirely sure?), that there was a donkey to ride. And the Shepherds, I know they were some of the outcasts of the day- did the work but not feeling welcome, or being welcomed, in 'churches'. Which is I think, if you believe in something/ 'Someone' greater, is precisely why: the couple was unwed (or, I'm not quite sure, pregnant before they were married, anyway), undoubtedly would be unbelieved (and could have doubted each other), were unwelcome and turned away, were poor, were exhausted and cold, and included first and foremost those excluded +/ or suffering. (There's an obvious reason people prefer the smell of a Christmas tree to a stable.)
Where am I going with this- OMG, :rolleyes: What I mean is, by you making this thread- you are making the 'perfect' Christmas, Christian or otherwise: 'Come (here) to me, all who are burdened and heavy laden'- come whoever you are, whatever your past, whatever you believe or don't, however you feel- happy or sad- '..and you will find rest for your souls'.
That is a beautiful thing you've done, to make a place of inclusion and 'shelter' for others to 'be'- be themselves, and very selfless of you. Rare to offer to carry others' pain and accompany them, and to make a safe place for them. You are awesome. :) :notworthy:
Merry Christmas to YOU!! :) :hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::inlove::inlove::inlove::inlove::ninja::inlove::inlove::inlove::inlove::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug:
Where am I going with this- OMG, :rolleyes: What I mean is, by you making this thread- you are making the 'perfect' Christmas, Christian or otherwise: 'Come (here) to me, all who are burdened and heavy laden'- come whoever you are, whatever your past, whatever you believe or don't, however you feel- happy or sad- '..and you will find rest for your souls'.
That is a beautiful thing you've done, to make a place of inclusion and 'shelter' for others to 'be'- be themselves, and very selfless of you. Rare to offer to carry others' pain and accompany them, and to make a safe place for them. You are awesome. :) :notworthy:
Merry Christmas to YOU!! :) :hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::inlove::inlove::inlove::inlove::ninja::inlove::inlove::inlove::inlove::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug:
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