Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
Where will you spend Christmas this year? For most of us the answer is surrounded by our loved ones celebrating the most joyous of all holidays. As the days unto Christmas count down we look forward to breathing a sigh of relief that the hustle and bustle is finally over. There is the anticipation of seeing the joy on the faces of the little ones on Christmas morning.
The joy of celebrating together won’t happen for some families this year. Recently, several people I know have lost loved ones. I stood at the graveside services for a woman almost 98 years old. Although I know she will be greatly missed by all, I thought how she lived her life for the Lord and will now know no more pain and suffering.
Others I know prayed for just one more Christmas with their loved one. One family spent an early Thanksgiving together and took away precious memories of their special gift. It was their last time all together and now they gather again for a funeral.
I know one special lady, Carolyn, who has given all who know her the gift of how to face death. She was diagnosed recently with cancer and the doctors say she doesn’t have long to live.
When I went to see her recently, she wasn’t lamenting and wailing over the diagnosis. Instead she told us she was ready to see Jesus. Already she has all of her final arrangements taken care of and her funeral planned. Now she waits in anticipation of being with Jesus forever.
This comes from a woman who lost both her husband and sister this year. It was her sister, Nancy, which I wrote about a couple of months ago. Nancy was one who always had a smile on her face and brought joy to those around her. People still talk about her influence on all she came in contact.
Before anyone can claim I don’t have any idea what it is to lose a loved one on or near a holiday, let me provide a little background. My daddy passed away on the 4th of July. My mother-in-law died on December 20 and was buried December 23. My grandfather who was bedridden with a stroke for 3 years went home to Jesus on December 22 and was buried December 24. My husband’s grandmother lost her mother on December 24 and buried her on Christmas Day. My grandmother went to be with Jesus on January 11. Yes, I know what it is like to lose a loved one at the holidays, but as much as I miss them I can’t wish them back.
Each one of these people are now in the presence of Jesus and I know I will see them again. They each have the greatest gift of Christmas by being in the presence of their Lord and Savior.
Still it is important to love and pray for those who lost loved ones recently and those who will soon go to be with Jesus. We can’t tell them we know exactly how they feel and shouldn’t even try. Instead, we can give a hug and tell them we love them. We can provide cards, food, and other assistance. We can simply sit and allow them to talk or just sit in silence.
A comforting passage of scripture was shared with me when I lost my Daddy. It is found in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. It talks about not grieving like those who have no hope because Jesus is coming again. The dead will rise and the rest of us still here will meet the Lord in the air and will forever be with Him.
For those who are going through the grieving process, there is help available. A grief sharing class is held at First Baptist Church every Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. For more information contact the church at 461-2724.
A time of rejoicing is coming for all. Although we have to go through sorrow and pain now, we can look forward to that wonderful day. I join with the writer of Revelation who concludes the book with these words: “Even so, come Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen”.
Debra Whittington is a longtime resident of Tucumcari. Contact her at: