The Living Light

My friends,

This blog entry is for those of you, like myself, who are experiencing Christmas for the first time without a loved one. I finally broke down this morning, Christmas Eve, grieving the recent loss of my mother. Christmas was her most favorite time of the year with her family. We celebrated 54 Christmases together, whether or not I am able to recall them or they were in person or just a long distance phone call. Yet, I will always remember the times we went to the Candlelight service together when I was a little boy. and Mother passedthe Candlelight of Christ to me. What a warm, peaceful, and joyous time for both her and me.

But this Christmas, Mother, is celebrating in Heaven rather than on earth. When a friend of mine in Wylie UMC and I were consoling one another about the loss of our mothers, he gave me the below poem written by Wanda Bencke. I wanted to share it this evening at Candlelight but it would be too hard for most of us. So, I share it with you today (you can google the poem and it will direct you to the poeam and a link for Wanda's website...please thank her for the words of promise and encouragement). Wanda, I thank you also.

Christmas in Heaven

I see the countless CHRISTMAS TREES around the world below

with tiny lights like HEAVEN’S STARS reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so SPECTACULAR please wipe away that tear

for I am spending CHRISTMAS WITH JESUS CHRIST this year.
I hear the many CHRISTMAS SONGS that people hold so dear

but the SOUND OF MUSIC can't compare with the CHRISTMAS CHOIR up here.
I have no words to tell you of the JOY their voices bring

for it is beyond description to HEAR THE ANGELS SING.
I know HOW MUCH YOU MISS ME, I see the pain inside your heart

for I am spending CHRISTMAS WITH JESUS CHRIST this year.
I can't tell you of the SPLENDOR or the PEACE here in this place

Can you just imagine CHRISTMAS WITH OUR SAVIOR face to face
I'll ask him to LIFT YOUR SPIRIT as I tell him of your love

so then PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER as you lift your eyes above.
Please let your HEARTS BE JOYFUL and let your SPIRIT SING

for I am spending CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN and I’m walking WITH THE KING.

~ by Wanda Bencke© Copyright 1999

Merry Christmas to all of you and may God and your loved one be ever so present with you in this time of year.

Grace and peace,

Jack