THIS CHRISTMAS

So, how is your Christmas going this year? Depending on what time you’re reading this blog, you’re either getting ready to eat with your family or you’ve already feasted and you have that completely full feeling. The kids have probably opened their gifts and you’re helping put together all kinds of toys and trying to figure out what batteries go with which devices. From babies to remote control vehicles, it’s that happy time of the year that the kids have been counting down the days for.

Not to bring a sad note to this Holiday, but for many of us we have those moments where we can’t help but remember and miss some amazing people that were in our lives, but have gone home to be with Jesus. Not that it gets any easier, but for many of us, we’ve gotten use to their memory instead of their presence. We recognize the look on each others face when something happens that causes us to remember something they would say or do. We miss the smile, the laughing and the incredible fun times we use to share.

For many people, this will be their first Christmas without their loved one or friend. I want you to know that our family knows how you feel. I remember the first Holiday after losing our first loved one. I didn’t think Christmas would ever be the same. Even now, there are some Christmas songs that make me sad and cause me to miss them. For you, it may be the first Christmas without that special someone. Everything you see and do will remind you of them. You’ve probably been dreading this Holiday because you weren’t sure how you would handle it. Believe me, you’ll get through it.

Take some time and enjoy the memories, but when you’re done, focus on the people that are still in your life. Your friend or loved one wouldn’t want you to close yourself off from other people in your life. They would want you to keep laughing and enjoying your family. They wouldn’t want you to change who you are just because they’re not with you anymore. Don’t feel guilty for laughing and having fun. Make their memory a part of your party. Keep them here in spirit and laugh about things that you know would make them laugh.

There is one last thing I want share with you. Paul spoke about this subject and this is what he said.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (The Message Version)

And regarding the question, friends, that has come up about what happens to those already dead and buried, we don’t want you in the dark any longer. First off, you must not carry on over them like people who have nothing to look forward to, as if the grave were the last word. Since Jesus died and broke loose from the grave, God will most certainly bring back to life those who died in Jesus.

My friends, it’s alright to cry, just know how to cry. That may sound crazy to you, but you have to understand that when a Christian cries, it’s different. It’s not a hopeless cry because we will see them again. It’s a cry that says, “I miss you being here with me” and that’s ok. Just don’t forget, we don’t cry like others that have no hope. We will be reunited with our friends and loved ones again. Can you just imagine Christmas in Heaven? The lights will be amazing, the decorations will be incredible and the songs will be GLORIOUS!!! We will be with all of our family and most of all, Jesus will be there. I can’t even describe how splendorous it’s going to be.

Oh yeah, there’s one thing I forgot to tell you about. THERE ARE NO TEARS ALLOWED!!! 😉

Merry Christmas.