Arguably, the most celebrated time of the year is almost here. The Christmas season is upon us, and family, and friends everywhere are preparing to usher in the season that celebrates the birth of Christ.
But for many of us, this Christmas season may not bring holiday cheer to our homes like it once did.
For many of us, when we gather around the dining room table to eat as a family on Christmas day, there will be an empty chair where someone we cherished is no longer with us and we are left to cope with the loss of that precious loved one during the time of year when their absence is felt the most.
For many of us while trying to be present in the here and now, we have journeyed back in time to a place when that loved one’s laughter could still be heard, or that signature scent of perfume, or cologne always signaled the arrival of that loved one at family gatherings like Christmas dinner. Laughingly someone would say, here comes Aunty Anne, here comes Uncle Joe, or the countless names that can be used to fill in the blanks to fit this scenario.
For many of us, we remember the pies that only mother could bake. No substitutes accepted, but now her chair is empty.
For many of us, we are looking at the empty chair where Grand Dad used to sit, what problems could his wisdom not solve, and to whom do we now look to for sound advise?
Others still, are remembering the one we made vows to to be faithful always “until death do us part.” We are wondering why this Christmas? Why did we have to say good bye this soon?
Sadly, some of us are remembering the soft touch, and gentle kiss of a dear sweet little one taken from us far too soon. How can that place, that seat ever be filled again.
That empty chair at the table this Christmas! Oh what would we give to have it not be so. We stare and stare at the unoccupied seat, and for a moment, we can almost see our heart’s desire. That chair if we could will it, would not be empty this Christmas, and our dear loved ones would still be here present with us seated around the table in arms reach for a loving touch a tender kiss. If only it were so.
CHRISTMAS, THE SEASON OF GOOD CHEER, COMFORT AND JOY
In the midst of all the laughter, and good cheer happening all around us, we are wondering where our comfort and joy is now that the chair that a most dearly loved husband, wife, mother, father, brother, sister, son, daughter, or friend sits empty.
For some of us the empty seat at the table is recent, for others, many are still dealing with the loss of a loved one or loved ones that occurred somewhere in the more distant past and wonder when if ever will their hearts heal. When will they get to breathe freely again without the deep pain of loss and sorrow? When will their hearts be able to beat again?
We wonder will we ever be whole again?
Will we ever find comfort and peace?
YES WE WILL!
Isaiah 9:6 KJV
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
The child spoken of in this scripture is none other that Emmanuel Himself! He is God with us! He is the Prince of Peace. He is the reason for the season! The reason why we celebrate Christmas! Christ- Mass!
God with us brings healing! God with us brings comfort, joy, peace!
If we allow Him, He will heal the wounds we carry in our souls because of the greatest loss a human can experience this side of the Jordan.
Many of us feel like we will never breathe again without the one (s) we have lost. Not the way we used to. Not the way we once experienced joy and peace in the company of our loved ones now loss to us.
Isaiah 9:6 gives us in spite of all that might be going on; this scripture gives us reason to hope. This scripture gives us reason to be joyful!
For unto a Son is given! Not just any son, but the Son of God!
Born to conquer death, hell and the grave!
BETTER NEWS YET!
Romans 10:13a
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved!
The good news is our loved ones in Christ who are no longer seated at our table are headed for the greatest table of all!
Revelation 19:7
Blessed are they which are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb.
GREATER NEWS STILL!
John 14:1-2
Let not your heart be troubled ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions.
Did you hear that? Mansions! God has a place in store for those who believe! He has a seat for those who believe and trust in Him!
He is our Shepherd and we shall not want!
He prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies! Most tables prepared to serve food have what? They have seats!
The seat at the dining room table may be missing an occupant, but a life surrendered to Christ has provided a greater, more honorable seat. We all who have received Christ as Lord and Savior have a seat awaiting us at at the Lord’s table.
It is my prayer that this blog will encourage anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one this Christmas season.
I pray now that the empty seat at the dinner table where that loved one once sat, stirs up such found memories that our grief is replaced with the sheer gratitude of simply having been blessed to have had the time to share and make memories with them whether the time spent together was brief or longer.
I pray we remember the long walks, the talks, the jokes, the laughter and the tears. I especially pray that in Christ, this is not the end. That in Christ, just like our loved ones who have gone before us and are seated in the presence of His glory, we likewise will one day be seated at that most blessed and splendid table with them as well.
So in the meantime, let’s give our burdens to Him, The Prince of Peace and tell our hearts to beat again in Him.
May your Christmas be merry and bright in Christ Jesus our Lord!