Daily Devotional for December 22, 2021

One of the greatest privileges of my job is performing funerals.  I do a lot of them.  This means, even though I see joy, I also see a tremendous amount of pain.  The Christmas Season makes the pain of losing loved ones even more pronounced.

If you are one of those who has lost a loved one this past year and you are looking at this coming Christmas as something filled with pain and grief, this is for you.

An exceptionally fine father recently lost his son.  He sent me the following poem.  It is beautiful. 

I pray it gives you peace and comfort as it allows you to see the bigger picture of Christmas.  The author is unknown.

MY FIRST CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN
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 am 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.
I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.
 
I know how much you miss me.  I see the pain inside your heart,
But I am not so far away.  We really aren’t apart.
So be happy for me dear ones.  You know I hold you dear,
And be glad I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
 
I send you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above.
I send you each a memory of my undying love.
After all, “Love” is the gift, more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.
 
Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do,
For I can’t count the blessings or love He has for each of you.
So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear,
Remember, I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
 
The very best description of what our deceased loved ones now experience is found in the book of Revelation.  This is the promise: “See, the home of God is among mortals.  He will dwell with them; they will be his people, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes.  Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.”  And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.”  (Revelation 21:3-5)

Your loved one is home with God.  There is no more fear, grief, pain, or tears.  They are whole.  They are new. 

Someday, you too will be spending Christmas with Jesus.  That will be a good day.

I pray this news brings a smile to your face as you remember the baby lying in a manger.

God is good.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins