#108: The Empty Chair

by Jeff | Dec 6, 2015

On this episode

Jeff Strommen @jstrommen | Dave Wager @wagerdaw | Jason @kempster220 | Terra Kay @terrakfree | Bill, Homeland Security

Holidays are hard enough to handle when a loved one isn’t a part of the traditions. This week, we’re continuing our discussion on the topic of refugees, but in a little different way. Refugees are guests in our country. How do we treat guests? How do we talk around guests? Does anybody actually care about how they’re perceiving what’s become abundantly clear from the headlines that “we’re not sure that we like you?”

Let’s move from behind the politics and look to the people who we allow at our family table around the holidays. And if there’s an empty chair around your table this year, take that sense of loss and sadness symbolized by the empty chair and include someone who needs joy and peace this Christmas season.

[typography font=”Asap” size=”12″ size_format=”px”](Note: We are not advocating that everyone invite a refugee or complete stranger over to your house as that doesn’t work for everyone. But do look for ways to reach out to people who may live near you and do something small that communicates hope and joy and peace.)[/typography]

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Show Notes

Check out last week’s notes.

While the issue has been highly politicized lately, refugees continue to be among the most vulnerable people in our society. They may not celebrate Christmas or quite understand why we have certain customs. That’s OK. Refugees are guests in our country. How do we treat guests? How do we talk around guests? Does anybody actually care about how they’re perceiving what’s become abundantly clear from the headlines that “we’re not sure that we like you?”

Man Thanks Officer for DUI Arrest – (WAGA) Nov 16, 2015

A Georgia man thanked a Tyrone Police Officer for arresting him in July.

According to the police report, the man was driving on Highway 74 and while in a turn lane, instead of making a right onto the street, the driver went straight running off the road. Sgt. Jacob Collins arrested the man for DUI.

Monday, Tyrone Police Chief Brandon Perkins received a letter from the man, thanking Sgt. Collins for arresting him. The letter reads “I was severely intoxicated. He saved my life and the lives of others and I truly appreciate his actions and his efforts.”

[Tweet “As a Christian, two of our greatest tensions to wrestle with is mercy and grace. #HNRTB”]

As a Christian, two of our greatest tensions to wrestle with is mercy and grace. Mercy in that we don’t get what we deserve (hell) and grace in that we’ve been given something we don’t deserve (Jesus & eternal life in heaven). Don’t forget to show the most vulnerable ones mercy and grace this Christmas.