Making a difference

It was lucky three special people were working on Christmas Day¼

Alistair Brown couldn' t wait for Christmas to be over. He looked down from the pulpit at the throng of people. For most of them, Christmas was the only time they stepped inside the church, tempted by the mulled wine and the carols. He doubted whether anyone was actually listening to his words. Sometimes, he felt like giving up, but his faith and his love for the people of his parish kept him going.

When we return to our homes and our busy lives, I ask you to take the message of Christmas with you. Always remember this it' s not about how much you spend, or the number of presents you receive or give to others, it' s about the love in your heart. The gift of love is priceless.

As Jim listened, the vicar' s words found their way to a lost, dark and lonely place in his heart. He' d only come to the service because it was warm inside and they were offering refreshments.

Since being made redundant, life had become a struggle. His girlfriend had ended their relationship, and he was facing Christmas on his own.

He' d been invited to spend Christmas with his sister, but he' d turned her down, ashamed because he couldn' t afford presents for his nieces.

Now he realised he' d been wrong. His sister didn' t care about presents, she' d invited him because he was family and she loved him.

Jim thought of the application form that had arrived two days ago. His sister was a whiz with forms, if she helped him to fill it in, it might bring him luck.

The moment the service was over, he hurried outside to make a call, barely noticing the mulled wine and mince pies.

Hi, Susie. It' s me. Happy Christmas! I' m sorry I turned down your invite. I just couldn' t face being the only one not handing out pressies¼ I know, I know¼ I was wrong to think that¼ That' s great¼ Yes, please! I would love to join you for Christmas dinner! Just give me a couple of hours and I' ll be there.'

Kathleen Rogerson couldn' t wait for Christmas to be over.

Who'd b e a nurse, she thought. Even today, the emergency room was busy.

With all the messages of peace and love, you' d think

people would stop fighting, at least for a couple of days. Sometimes she felt like banging their heads together to make them see sense.

When she realised that would add to the violence she wanted to stop, she laughed out loud.

Sometimes the only thing that kept her going was her sense of humour.

She was still chuckling when she called the next patient.

Pamela' s mood had sunk to an all-time low. She was about to turn 50 and not looking forward to it one little bit.

Cleaning had been the only job she could get after getting divorced. She had no problem with hard work, but working at the hospital wasn' t exactly fun. Even on Christmas morning, the waiting area was busy.

She didn' t have much to look forward to either. Later, there would be Christmas dinner for one, alone in her bedroom, to avoid the people she lodged with.

As her mood sank even further, an unexpected sound lifted her spirits as one of the nurses chuckled.

It was a full-on, it' s great to be alive' chuckle that reminded Pamela of her grandfather. Whatever happened in life, he' d always greeted it the same way, with a smile.

So the past year hadn' t gone her way. She was stuck in a job she didn' t enjoy. She had nothing in common with the people she shared a house with they were noisy and untidy too and her new boyfriend was always letting her down. If she thought about it the right way, it was hilarious.

Pamela smiled, stood tall and straightened her back. It didn' t have to be like this.

Come January, she would start the training course she' d been dithering about for so long. Once she' d dumped her no-good boyfriend, she could spend her spare time studying, and as for a place to live, she could ask her grandmother to put her up, at least until she found her feet.

Her plan in place, Pamela attacked the next sink with extra vigour, singing as she worked.

Constable David Lester couldn' t wait for Christmas to be over.

He should have been at home with his wife and baby daughter, but had given his Christmas days off to his best friend. Jack' s mother had hurt her ankle, preventing her from catching the train. Thanks to David, Jack had been able to drive up to Manchester to collect her.

Normally, helping his friend would have given David a warm feeling inside, but he was missing his baby' s first Christmas and felt tired and cold.

When it was time for his break, he headed for the only café that was open. As he passed the park, he spotted a youth, slumped on a bench. Wearily, he went to see if he was all right.

Hi, merry Christmas. Are you OK?'

Getting no reply, David tried again.

Is there anything I can do to help?

The boy, who was about 14 years old, stared at David with bleary eyes, then laughed, the sound cold and bitter.

Don' t be daft. You' re a copper.'

I know. The uniform gives it away. Seriously, it' s

Christmas Day and you' re slumped on a park bench with no jacket. Have you been drinking?'

The boy swore at him. I don' t need a lecture.'

Let me buy you a coffee. I know a great little place that opens every day. No lecture. I promise.'

The boy shrugged. It' s your money.'

Over coffee, he opened up. I had a row with me mum. She said she didn' t want me around.'

David thought that sounded harsh, considering the boy' s age, but said nothing. Silence was often the best way to get people to talk. As it often did, his tactic worked.

Me dad was a drunk.

Mum' s worried I' m going the same way.'

So to prove her wrong, you got smashed,' David said with a gentle smile.

The boy smiled back. How daft is that?'

We all do daft things when we' re young. Let me call your mum so she knows you' re safe. She must be worried sick.'

No, thanks. If she gets a call from a copper¼ He drew a finger across his throat. Where do you live?'

When the boy named a road less than 10 minutes' walk away, David offered to see him safely home.

I want to make sure your mum lets you in.'

He went to the counter, bought two slices of their best chocolate cake to take away and gave the box to Sid.

Merry Christmas. Give this to your mother and she' ll forgive you anything.' He smiled. It really is the most wonderful cake.'

When they went to their beds that night, the vicar, the nurse and the police officer slept long and well, unaware of the difference they made to other people' s lives, simply by being themselves

not only at Christmas, but every single day of the year.

ÔIt s not about the number of presents you receive, it s about the love in your heartsÕ