Ten years ago on this day, December 19th, shortly before 8:00 am, my mom took her last breath on this earth at the age of 98. My brother and I were by her side when she stepped into the presence of her Lord and Savior. I remember thinking, “Mom, you’re going to have the BEST CHRISTMAS EVER!” Even though we were sad she was not physically with us, we were at peace knowing she was in her heavenly Home where she had been longing to go in her final years. It was an unforgettable Christmas.
Losing a loved one at any time is difficult, but it’s especially hard at Christmas when there are sweet memories associated with this season. I am so thankful that Jesus came to this earth as a baby so we would be able to have hope for our eternal future if we put our trust in Him as our Savior. Without Jesus’ birth, death would be the end, and there would be no hope of eternity with our Lord.
It was a special Christmas as we celebrated the life of my mom and imagined what kind of Christmas she was having in heaven with Jesus. Hope is alive because of His coming to this earth as a baby who would one day die on the cross for our sins. That’s the greatest gift we could ever receive.
For years, I have put up a 6-foot pencil Christmas tree—and it’s become my “memory tree.” All the ornaments represent a person or season in my life since my 30s. As I decorate the tree, I stop to reflect on each person who gave me the ornament, the place I was living at the time, or a significant event associated with it. And then I do the same as I take the ornaments off. It’s a special time to thank God for His many blessings in my life and the journey He’s taking me on.
This may be a difficult Christmas season for you—the death of a loved one, a loss, a diagnosis, illness, or not being able to be with family. I pray that God will wrap His arms around each of you and that we’ll take time to reflect on the reason why we celebrate Christmas—Jesus.
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’” (Luke 2:10–11, NASB 95)
Because of His coming, we can rejoice. And we can look forward with great anticipation to His return. Until then, may we shine brightly for Him to those around us!
(I’d love to hear about any special Christmas traditions you have. And let me know how I can pray for you in this season.)
Merry Christmas!
❤️My (78 yr old) Daddy died in his sleep 20 years ago in Dec. It’s a JOY to know for certain that he is celebrating with thankfulness JESUS who “🎼was born to die so the you and I might know His saving grace”.
Clarice, It’s so encouraging to know we’ll see our loved ones again! I can only imagine what they’re experiencing in heaven. Thanks for sharing!