Why is it that the end of the November can sometimes feel like driving up to a cemetery and waiting in the car? Because the car is safe…the car has no tombstone marking the death of something…the car has the isolation from circumstances that are crippling. Looking into December for most years can be joyful, full of excitement and fellowship. But some years December can look like a bully on the playground taunting us…tripping us...pushing us around…controlling us. December can sit at a distance shouting, reminding us that there will be an empty chair at the Christmas table. It controls our emotions through whispers of doom and hopeless futures.
Ten years ago, I had one of those years where I had to be dragged into December. As the calendar turned from the gratitude of Thanksgiving to the dread of December, I found myself not wanting to put up a Christmas tree or decorate at all. My sister Beth had been given less than two weeks or so to live and the thought of those twinkling lights as her light faded felt hypocritical and disrespectful. Bruce came to me and gently encouraged me to put the tree up for the sake of our kids and grandkids. I was convicted with his words and began ‘opening the car door’ to join the others in December. But the most amazing thing began to happen as I unpacked each ornament and the rest of my decorations. I became acutely aware of the blessings God had given me. It’s tough to focus on the lack when we stand before the reminders of so many good things from God. As I hung one ornament up it reminded me of a favorite Christmas shop in Charleston and I was thankful for vacations. As I hung up the stockings, I was humbled by the fact that God entrusted me with Kristen, Michael and Caroline…what a privilege it was to raise them and now walk with them as best friends. I cradled in my hands the little ornament made by my granddaughter whom I had cradled for years. I surrounded myself with Christmas music which made the tears fall with some sadness but also with lots of joy. I was grateful that I had a husband who was so incredibly supportive through this devastating season. But the greatest realization was that whether Beth was in Heaven or on earth she had already won. She was about to break the bow and unwrap the greatest gift ever. And that’s the day that my heart was reminded that JESUS OVERCAME DEATH SO THAT WE COULD TOO!
Whether you are experiencing the death of a relationship or the death of a loved one don’t be afraid of the month of December. I know how hard it can be, but the payoff is great! When we set our minds and hearts on Jesus, the baby who ushered in our eternity and future reunions, death holds no power over our Decembers. So, get out of the car and walk towards December with hope. Light your Christmas candles and inhale the memories. Blast your Christmas music and dance on top of your sadness. Hang those precious ornaments counting your blessings for each one that marks the gifts in your life. Most of all, expect future joy for through Christ all things are possible and one day the old sadness will be gone and the new blessings will be found.
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