Tonight mother and I went to an amazing church service. This was one that I really want to share with you guys.This service was different than most church services. This one was to help us with the comfort of a death of a loved one.
Exactly seven days ago, I came home to news about the death of my only uncle on my mom's side. We lost him to depression. This was the type of news that I did not expect upon walking into the house. This past week has definitely been a rough one for all of the family. Mother and I figured out that the "waterproof" mascara wasn't "tearproof". Saturday was the day that we buried my uncle, and I have missed him so much. Everyone in my family realizes how hard of a Christmas this will be and we do not know exactly how we are all going to deal with this. I personally believe that we will be drawn closer together to comfort one another. I also believe that this service tonight helped both mother and I with the coping of Uncle Tim.
These were the scriptures read tonight at the service.
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away." And the one who was seated on the throne said, "See, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true."
Revelations 21:1-5
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior, I give Egypt as your ransom.
Isaiah 43:1-3
While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Luke 2:6-7
This last verse is one from the Christmas story. People generally take Christmas for granted, thinking that they should have the ideal family gathering with many presents to open and lots of food to eat. Many people over think what the main reason as to why we celebrate Christmas is. It is not for the children, where they tell Santa what they would like for him to bring them because they were good that year, or for the adults who bake and cook all day for the family gathering that night, or even wrapping all the Christmas presents and unwrapping them that morning. There are some people in the world that do not get this opportunity to receive presents. They take this time of the year to be with the people that they love the most and actually spend time with them. They also take this time to thank God that they are living and blessed with what they have. I think that they understand the true meaning of Christmas. Even though there are the happy times of Christmas, some people go through the sad times as well. It is said though that you can't be sad at Christmas, you have to be cheery. This is where you would feel isolated because you believe that they don't understand your situation. This is where the name "The Longest Night" comes from. Where you feel like you have no one to turn to and no one understands what you are going through. It seems like the night will never turn to morning and you lay in bed thinking about all of your problems. Whenever you feel this way, turn to God. He will always listen and he gives comfort to you in every form possible. The comfort of Christmas is the amazing gift of God's love.
Also tonight, instead of the advent wreath, we did an alternative wreath lighting. These candles represented giving words to the ones that we lost. These are the inspirational words that were read as the candles were lit.
The Candle of Sadness
As we remember loved ones who have left us, relationships that are no more, our lives the way they used to be, we acknowledge sadness at their passing.
The Candle of Courage
As we face the loss in our lives, we realize that Jesus has promised never to leave us. We find courage in that assurance and in our own experience of God's gift of courage to us in the past.
The Candle of Memory
As we remember the stories, happy and sad, about the ones we love, about times when life felt whole and secure, we can find healing. As we weave these stories into our new life, we can find peace. As we remember the story of Jesus, we can find hope.
The Candle of Hope
Our hope is that for each of us there is more than only a past. Our hope is that for each of us there is also a future, in this life, and in the life to come.
The Candle of Love
Jesus Christ is the true source of our love. Jesus is the light that always shines in the darkness. And the darkness did not - and will not - overcome it.
