This week marks the one-year anniversary of my mom’s Homegoing last Christmas. The year has flown by, and it doesn’t seem like a year has already passed. I miss my mom, but I rejoice that she is HOME where she longed to be. She is pain-free and experiencing things in heaven that we can only imagine on this earth. Mom left a legacy of three generations, and we were able to spend Christmas together last year right after mom’s memorial service. It was a sweet time together as we reflected on her life. She will celebrate Christmas this year in the presence of her Savior.

As Wanda Bencke penned in this poem,

I see the countless Christmas trees, Around the world below.
With tiny lights, like heaven’s stars, Reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular, Please wipe away that tear.
For I’m spending Christmas, With Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs, That people hold so dear.
But the sounds of music can’t compare, With the Christmas choir up here.
For I have no words to tell you, The joy their voices bring.
For it is beyond description, To hear the angels sing.

I can’t tell you of the splendor, Or the peace here in this place.
Can you just imagine Christmas, With our Savior, face to face?
I’ll ask Him to light your spirit, As I tell Him of your love.
So then pray one for another, As you lift your eyes above.

Please let your hearts be joyful, And let your spirit sing.
For I’m spending Christmas in Heaven, And I’m walking with the King.

We read this poem and closed mom’s memorial service with this song, It’s a Different Kind of Christmas This Year, by Mark Schultz.

If you have recently lost a loved one, and this is your first Christmas without them, I pray this song will encourage you as it did us. Merry Christmas!