A Cop's Perspective of Christmas

For those who patrol our streets, the holidays are often nothing more than long hours of shift work as everyone else gathers together for parties and Christmas festivities; the true meaning of Christmas so often skewed by the depravity of man.

Have you ever wondered what it looks like from an officer's perspective?  Perhaps you've never really thought about it, but here's to all those who serve us every day without batting an eye...even on that sacred day - Christmas.




The patrol car can be a lonely place, for sure.  Hands cupped around a lukewarm cup of coffee, and if your lucky, a half eaten bag of peanuts, while neighbors and townspeople are dining on ham and eggnog.

 How many precious moments are missed - you know the ones...the myriads of questions of little ones in anticipation of Santa, or cozy moments with your spouse on the sofa before a flaming fire, or those can't-get-back moments spending time with the son who's back from college for just a short while.

Yes, those are priceless, but you have a job to do.  You swore on your oath to protect and serve, even when it's a holiday or inconvenience.  I guess you could say, it's just something in your makeup; an underlying drive that gives you the desire to do what you do.

The cold chill in the air almost taunts you as night sets in.  Yep, it's gonna be a long one.  Better get the car gassed up and ready to fly.

In an instant - like a spin of a dime, the call comes through of a domestic in progress.  Merry Christmas to you, officer.

Lights dancing to and fro, it's not the ones you particularly want to be dazzled by this holiday, but they go with the territory, and you're just thankful to have a job.

Pulling into the driveway, you notice lights on in every part of the house.  A welcome sign greets you as you approach the door; dogs barking wildly behind the scene.  Hardly the inviting atmosphere you dream of this time of year.

You're on your guard as you hear shouting coming from within.  No silent night here.  Just another day in paradise, said no cop ever.

Entering in, the house is in disarray.  Beer bottles scattered to and fro, while It's a Wonderful Life plays out across the television screen.

Immediately, the woman, her appearance disheveled, and tear-stained cheeks points wildly at the man whose breath could sink a small ship.   You think to yourself, "Here we go again.  He said, she said.  Do these people not know it's Christmas?"

After diffusing the situation and offering a little moral support, i.e. "If I have to come back, both of you are going to jail," you head back to your rolling den of loneliness.  The computer screen's bluish glow somehow a comfort to you.

Five calls later - two lock-outs, an alarm sounding, an ambulance assist, and a suspicious person, you make your way back to the station in hopes of some down time before shift change.  It's going to take some time to unwind - to re-frame your thoughts.  You know, the ones scattered in a dozen different directions.

You've had to be referee, locksmith, medic and detective, and in a few short hours, God willing, you'll pull into your own driveway having to shift gears instantly into dollhouse assembler and Santa cookie eater.  Wait!  You may also be asked to run to the nearest gas station to pick up batteries long forgotten, just praying you don't run into anyone needing anything else from you; there's not much left to give.

As the sun begins to peer over the horizon and presents have been distributed, you wearily walk to bed.  A few short hours are all you're allowed before it's time for your shift to begin again.

Laying your head upon the pillow, the thought of God's Son comes across your mind.  "Happy Birthday, Jesus," you whisper.  "Maybe next year we can celebrate."

Sleep overtakes you.  "Thanks," God whispers.  "Get your rest.  It's gonna be a busy night."


"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9

Kristi


P.S.  Leave me a comment.  I'd love to hear your thoughts. :)