It’s the most wonderful time of the year! This simple phrase rings true to so many people around this time of year. Halloween approaches, followed by Thanksgiving, then Christmas, and finally to end the holiday season with New Years. People around the country make a point to gather with friends and family to celebrate each one of these different holidays. So much joy and love are shown more during these few months than any other time of the year.
For many people, this time of year can be joyful but for others, it can be a time of great sadness as they reflect on the ones that they have lost over the year, relationships that are now broken, and other major heartaches that have occurred.
What are you supposed to do when you experience a loss of a loved one in the previous year? While there is no right or wrong answer, it is always good to look at the options available before making any rogue decisions about the holidays.
Christmas is a joyful season because of all the gifts, lights, food, and fellowship that people have with one another. For many families, this will be the first year that a loved one will not be present for the Christmas season. Dealing with this series of days set aside for the celebration of our Lord, it can still be difficult without everyone present.
We must find hope during the holiday seasons. As Christians, we must place our hope on the promise from God that we will have eternal life with Him. To make it even better, there will be a chance to be reunited with those whom we have lost in the past. Placing our hope in the future residency in God’s kingdom will give us the power to overcome the ups and downs of our earthly life.
Hebrews 6:19-20 reminds us that the hope is our anchor. When the waters are rough, we need the anchor the most. The anchor keeps our life from turning up-side-down and it allows us to maintain the progress of life we already have made.
Many people choose to simply ‘skip’ celebrating holidays due to a death in the family or other tragic events. It can be hard to gather any smidgen of holiday spirit. People do not want to hear Christmas music, see Christmas presents, or even gather with family on this holiday. Skipping the holiday seems like it may be the best option.
Let’s honor those who have already departed us. Would skipping Christmas, or any other holiday, be the decision the lost loved one would want you to make? For many, Christmas is their favorite holiday. Skipping Christmas would not be the result they would want you to take. Instead, take time this holiday season to honor those who have departed from our earthly family. Make this Christmas about Christ and that loved one.
In 2012, a little girl from Nashville, at the age of two, was struck by her father’s back tire and was killed instantly. Tragedy struck this family and left them heartbroken. Even at the age of two years old, Christmas was her favorite holiday already. She loved the lights. Her father continued to have hope in Christ and decided to dedicate Christmas each year to his little girl. Now, six years later, her father puts up over 300,000 Christmas lights at his house for people to come to see. He says that he decorates his house each year because it a gift he can still give her while her spirit rests in Heaven and the light shines for all to see.
As difficult as it may be for some, honoring a loved one each year on special holidays and birthdays can be a blessing to everyone that was impacted by that person. By doing this, you create a meaningful holiday that is filled with love, peace, and joy while continuing the tradition that has always been held.
As we are left here on earth, we must remember that those loved ones are celebrating an eternity of holidays with our Heavenly Father.
God is Good..
30 Second Thoughts 