Christmas in Heaven

December 3, 2000, my Dad spent his first day in Heaven. Although I miss him terribly and probably always will, I have finally reached the point where I don't cry every time I share with someone about him. He was a good man. Not perfect, but good.

There are people who are so broken this holiday season over the recent loss of a loved one they don't know what to do. If you are one of those, I pray you find the strength to hold tight to Jesus until you find your way to the other side of your pain. He was the only way out for me and I know He can get you through it, too. At my father's funeral, a pastor shared Psalm 116:15, "The Lord cares deeply when his loved ones die." God's word is true and He does care deeply about your loss. He doesn't take death lightly and He knows you are hurting. Remember God's promise in Matthew 5:4, "God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted." He promises to bring you comfort through this dark time. Hold tight to Him and He will hold tight to you. Call out to Him and He will hear you. Read Psalm 145:17-19. Sometime in the first few weeks after my Dad passed away, someone shared a poem with my family. For some of us it brought comfort; for others, it simply put things in a more bearable perspective. I share it with you now in the hopes it will do one of those two things for you if you are facing Christmas missing someone you love.

I'm Spending Christmas with Jesus Christ This Year

I see the countless Christmas trees

Around the world below,

With tiny lights like heaven's stars

Reflecting in 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 earthly music can't compare

With the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you

The joy their voices bring

For it's beyond description

To hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me,

Trust God and have no fear

For I'm spending Christmas

With Jesus Christ this year.

I can't tell you of the splendor

Or the peace here in this place.

Can you imagine Christmas

With our Savior, face to face?

May God uplift your spirit

As I tell Him of your love

Then pray for one another

As you lift your eyes above.

So let your hearts be joyful

And let your spirits sing

For I'm spending Christmas in Heaven

And I'm walking with the king!

Thanks to Wanda Bencke for taking the time to compose such comforting words. You can read the story behind the poem here.

It's your sixth anniversary in Heaven, Dad. Has it even felt like a day? I wonder.....