Henriet's Blog

Christmas Everyday?!

It's the week after Christmas and all through the land people... have gone back to their regular lives. With all the hubbub leading up to this holy Holiday, it's amazing how fast it's over. The food is consumed, the drinks drunk, and the packages opened. Life returns to, well, normal.

Including for those who are homeless. Their "Christmas" is over too. No more extra attention and people making more effort to provide them with additional food, blankets, socks and toiletries. Yet, they're still cold, still homeless, still in need. As Bart Shatto sang so movingly at the TSO Christmas Show, "why can't it be Christmas everyday?" As I said before, why not indeed?

WHAT IF?

What if we banded together--as people who love God and are spiritual--and partnered to impact the system? What if we organized, looked like the true body of believers, and helped every day? What if we lived, as Jesus told us to, loving one another so that people would be drawn to Him through our love and actions? What if we could make it Christmas every day?

I imagine that if we all worked together--in unity of purpose and service--we could make a real difference for the homeless, for the poor, for the needy...every day!

EVERYONE DOING A SMALL PART

Back to Bart Shatto, do you know what he does with the money he collects? He takes the money that people donate to him, when they think he's homeless,  and buys toys with it. He personally delivers them to the kids in the cancer wing at Methodist Children's Hospital! Thanks Bart for doing your part in large and small ways--by giving of yourself at the show and for giving beyond to the kids who can't be home for Christmas.

Not Homeless at TSO Show

Some of you have asked about the story of the homeless man at the TSO Christmas show. Let me clarify--it turns out he wasn't homeless but part of the show. His name is Bart Shatto and he takes his role seriously. By starting before the show opens, he adds to his performance and makes it convincing.

HOMELESSNESS: HIS CHANGE AND MINE

As I watched him transition the role, I noticed that my reaction transitioned too. I've thought about this quite a bit.

When he seemed to be a real homeless man, I observed his actions and watched him carefully. First I thought, what is he doing here? Catching myself I consciously decided to be glad for him and came up with possible scenarios to make sense of the apparent disconnect (how could a homeless man be at the TSO show?).

Then as I chose to be happy for him I became concerned for him--but still from a distance. I wanted to help but did not really want to be inconvenienced. I really wanted someone else to take action on his behalf. My guilt would be assuaged. (By the way, assuage is one of my favorite words.)

I felt bad after he disappeared--partly because I hadn't acted. I did what I do when I can't "fix" things: I prayed for him.

When he appeared on stage I felt silly for having made such a fuss about it (in my head and in conversation with Tamara). I was also glad he was OK and not kicked out.

Then I noticed another reaction. I felt differently toward him. I relaxed and listened to him. His song was convicting and moving. His message: The homeless are hungry and in need every day. Why can't it be Christmas every day?

AM I A HYPOCRITE?

Still I was left with my reactions and the apparent hypocrisy. Why did I feel differently toward him as an actor? I thought about this as the show continued. After all people are born as cute and lovable babies. Things may go wrong along the way but underneath the appearance, they are still the same--valuable human beings.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

So, how would you have reacted? What are your thoughts about the situation? About my reaction? What would you have done? What's Jesus' view of the situation?

Homeless At TSO Christmas Show

Thanks to the generosity of my friend Tamara, I found myself sitting in great seats at the Key Arena in Seattle last Saturday. We'd come to see and hear the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO). My first time! We sat in the 12th row near the aisle.

Before the show started, I was watching the people arrive, looking at the staging and just absorbing the ambience.

WHO IS THAT?

Then I saw him...I thought it was a him. He wore a wool overcoat, had matted hair that was pulled back in a short pony tail and disheveled. He had a wool scarf tied around his ankle and walked with a slight limp. He carried two bags. He seemed like a homeless person. He continued down the steps and sat in an aisle seat on the main floor--just 20 rows back from the stage. Once settled, he pulled out a flask and took a swig. Did I just see that? I pointed him out to Tamara.

How can he afford the ticket? Did someone give it to him? Did he just get in? Did he save his money from panhandling and is this concert that important to him? I wondered. I was glad he was there and hoped he was OK.

More people found their seats and suddenly he was not in his  seat. Where was he? I found myself scanning the crown, searching. It took a while but I "found him." He was sitting on the main floor, an aisle seat, this time four rows up from the back row...almost directly below my seat. Maybe he doesn't have a ticket? Should I give him mine? I knew Tamara wouldn't be thrilled if I left and this guy took my seat. Then he was gone.

WHERE IS HE?

The show had started and it was great. I looked around periodically but there was no way to find him in the dark. So, I prayed that he would be OK. (It may be odd but I do that kind of thing.)

After several songs and a thought provoking Christmas narration, suddenly...the homeless man is on stage being introduced! "He's collected about $150 from you guys. He takes a lot of abuse but does this every show. We don't know why he does it. Please welcome..."

Then he sang a most touching song--about being hungry and in need every day. "Why can't it be Christmas every day?" Why not indeed?