One of the most challenging things during Christmas is to mourn the loss of the people we love who are no longer with us.

I know, because I’ve done this for many years.  I remember being in Jr. High when my Grandmother (Mom’s mom) passed away.  And I remember going to church during the Holiday Season and missing seeing her sitting in the front pew.  I remember missing many other people throughout my lifetime.  I remember helping my father mourn the passing of his mother when I just a very young girl.  The list goes on and on.  I remember when I was 30 and my father passed away, we were told to make sure we came back to that church sooner, rather than later, and to make sure we brought our mother, because sometimes people don’t want to come back without their spouse because of the pain.  A loving congregation can help people mourn their loved ones, while celebrating other things. But we don’t only miss people in church, but in all our Christmas gatherings and celebrations.

Before my mother passed away, fourteen years ago she said to me –  “You know, I don’t really want to spend much time with everyone for Christmas.  I’m tired, I’m lonely, I miss my mother, your dad, my sisters, etc.  I said, Mom, you have us – we’re here – we love you.  Then she told me – June, one day, you’ll understand.  No matter how long you live after I die, you will always miss your mother and other relatives who have passed on before you.  And the longer you live, there will come a time when you will miss them more and more.  I want you to remember the people here will always want you near them.  So no matter how hard you grieve the loss of me, live for them and remember, God has a purpose for your life.  You are here for a good reason.   I remember looking at her and saying, “I know Mom, and so are you.  I love you.”  And we went to the Christmas gathering.    My mother had some wisdom, funny that she would sometimes tell me that she got it from me.  I’d shake my head and say, no Mom, it’s coming from the Holy Spirit.

I want to share this because so many things can go awry during your Christmas Celebrations.  And all the presents and other trappings of parties and even church services can cause a lot of stress.  If you are grieving this year – don’t be afraid to tell people.  Listen to them.  Let them talk and tell their stories.  If they don’t want to stay long, don’t make them. Take them home early and come back if you wish. Or if they want to sit alone for a short time and just observe, let them.  They are remembering and making new memories and one day, you will be in that place too.

Try to remember that Jesus came to earth to ‘save us from the sins of the world.’  If we keep that in mind and keep ourselves from sinning, , if we focus on making amends and making new memories, then we are contributing to the hope for a brighter future.   This is one way we can honor the Spirit of the Season – The Spirit of God’s Love and Hope.   Joy, will break through this time of mourning, maybe when we least expect it.

“Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels,

was preached among the nations, was believed in the world, was taken up in glory.”  (I Timothy 3:16 NIV)

May we all receive the free gift of God’s Holy Spirit.  The Lord has promised to give it to everyone who asks. This is an eternal promise for every generation.

And may the Love of God, the Peace of Jesus, and the Presence of the Holy Spirit be with us all.

Wishing you a peaceful Christmas Season.

(c) June G Paul, December 20, 2019