DEALING WITH LOSS AT CHRISTMAS

 

Saturday, December 21, 2024

 

DEALING WITH LOSS AT CHRISTMAS

 

Luke 2:33-35

33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

 

          Eight days after Jesus was born, He was brought to the temple for ceremonial circumcision. While there, the holy family was met by two unusual characters. Simeon prophesied that Jesus would bring the “fall and rising again” of many in Israel. It was not national but personal.

 

          My father-in-law passed away on December 7^th many years ago. We knew he had been sick in the nursing home and a gloom hung over us, but there we were at the local Christmas parade. It was a Sunday after church, and I was a pastor.

 

          My very kind church offered to either fly us home or buy new tires for my car. Being practical souls, we chose the new tires not knowing just how much they would be needed through the snow and ice of Ohio and Illinois. The danger accentuated our grief. One kind lady helped Irene clean and pack for the trip while I had the tires installed. It was all a blur. Our Savior was a “man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” He never left us without help and helpers.

 

          Acknowledge your grief and loss. Pretending to be jolly will not be very successful but avoid being gloomy. Acknowledge joy also. You will find it and it will find you. Cling to those that remain for they are grieving too. Acknowledge the Holy Spirit for He will surely be present to help you deal with the absence. Receive gifts and give them. They will have a special significance as time passes. Comfort yourself with positive “self-talk.”

 

Luke 2:18-19

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

 

Lord, not all who approach these days do so with joyful abandon. Some are grieving and others have suffered loss of other kinds. Be very near to them and help them. AMEN