For Anyone Grieving this Christmas
Finishing the fall semester as a college student and heading home for Christmas break is always an exciting time. Just the thought of not having an assignment, paper or final hanging over your head will make you shout for joy!
I was so excited to come home and do all of the family tradition like going to get old fashion Christmas candy from the town grocery store, going to see the Christmas lights, or gathering around the family eating table.
Coming home for Christmas this year looks the exact same as it did last year. However, part of my heart will be missing.
Back in September, I lost my Papa Willard.
One of the most important men in my life.
The man that taught me my worth, held my hand when I was hurt, and prayed his heart out for every test I have ever faced.
So, the drive home from school was exciting because the semester is over but I have a heavy heart because Papa Willard will not be sitting at the table this year.
I feel like if Papa could write me a letter from heaven about missing him this Christmas season. It would go something like this:
Caroline,
I know you are upset I won’t be at Christmas this year.
But don’t you worry about me.
The streets of gold are covered with snow and everything is decorated so pretty!
I am eating a Christmas meal like I never could on earth…
They even have collards and an apple pie!
I get to sing for joy and praise Jesus for his birth with him this year!
It is just wonderful.
Now tell everyone I love them and God bless.
I’ll see you soon!
-Papa Willard
If you are grieving a loved one this Christmas, I am right there with you. It will not be easy.
With just 3 days till Christmas, I find myself thinking of all the things that Papa will be missing this Christmas.
“But through prayer, I have changed my way of thinking. Instead of being upset about the things he will be missing out on, I’ve started to think about the joy Papa is experiencing this Christmas.”
Maybe your loved one is like my Papa and passed away sickly, think of the joy that they get to run and play in the snow on the streets of gold! Or maybe just the thought of them getting to bow with the shepherds at Jesus feet to worship him.
Maybe the joy your loved one is feeling to be reunited with another loved one that has been missing from Christmas past.
I pray that in the midst of your grieving you will find joy in the thoughts of your love ones spending Christmas beside Jesus. I pray that even though I am struggling with the loss of my grandfather, that I would find peace this Christmas season.
And I pray for all of you grieving with me.
Whether you are grieving a parent, grandparent, sibling, or friend, I pray that the Lord would give you joy and peace this Christmas season.
Merry Christmas,
Caroline