Christmas 2010. Our first without David. I’ll never forget it. Christmas is supposed to be a joyful, happy time, but tell that to my heart. The only thing I wanted I couldn’t have.
Everything that I had done in previous years to prepare for Christmas was something I began to dread. None of it felt right. I had no idea how I would get through it all. It felt like I was being torn between feeling such sadness and yet, knowing I should be focusing on the birth of Jesus, which is why we celebrate Christmas to begin with. How would I be able to celebrate when I felt so sad? I just wanted the tug-a-war in my heart to stop.
If you’ve experienced loss you may be feeling the same way about Christmas. It can be a sinking feeling of hopelessness, dread, and anger. You try not to let your defenses down because if you do, you fear you could fall into an endless pit of sadness. That’s how I felt back then anyway. I’d been in that pit far too many times, so I avoided thinking about all of it, but in reality, there was no way to avoid it. Christmas would come whether David was here or not.
My anticipation of our first Christmas without David brought with it one of the most loving whispers from God I have ever encountered, and I will never forget it; “You can mourn the loss of your son and still celebrate the birth of mine.”… “You can mourn the loss of your son and STILL celebrate the birth of mine.”… it was okay for me to experience all of these conflicting emotions.
During a time when I was paralyzed with sadness, God gave me this promise, an eternal perspective that I desperately needed to claim through John 3:16-17…
“For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent His Son into the world, not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him.”
I believe God was simply reminding me that through the pain and sadness I feel because my son is not here, I need to focus on His Son now more than ever… because it is Jesus’ life, His death on the cross, and His resurrection that assures me of where David is right now.
I’ve heard this verse so many times before, but here’s the reality of it as I read it now; David is living out this promise from God. I know that his last breath on earth was his first breath in Heaven. I also know that when I die Jesus will be there to greet me…and David will be right behind Him. I-will-see-David-again.
What’s even more amazing? The same Jesus that walks with David right now in Heaven, is the same Jesus I placed my trust in when I was 17. We both share whom we celebrate on Christmas! This has given me tremendous comfort.
Christmas 2010 was spent with family in Wisconsin. We attended Christmas Eve service at a small church in the north woods. It was hard, but as the Pastor shared the Christmas story I listened much more intently. I needed to be reminded, even though I’d heard it many times over the years. While the tears shed that night were tears of anguish, missing my David, they were also tears of joy, celebrating the birth of the One Who was born for me, died for me, and who lives in me.
I know this won’t be easy. It still hurts. Take it minute by minute. Pray and ask God to help you.
If you would like help as you grieve, GriefShare is a wonderful resource. We can’t control when our emotions will take us over during the holidays. If this happens, excuse yourself and just take time to cry. If possible, drive separately to your family gatherings. This way you can leave early if you need to. Check out their website for more helpful suggestions.
Dear Friend,
This is sad time for a lot of people, but in the midst of your loss there is joy to be found as we celebrate the birth of Christ. It’s okay to experience anguish as you guide your heart to find joy in the Savior’s birth. I found that anguish and joy are intertwined quite often as we search for peace through our loss. I pray you will cling to the hope of Christmas as you grieve. His name is Jesus. I’m still praying for you. See you next time.
Promises
I love the simplicity of Luke 2:9-14 as told by Linus in “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
Jan, I’ll never forget the first time I heard you say, “The Jesus that walks with David is the same Jesus who walks with me.” I’ve referred back to that many times when I’m missing my loved ones who have passed. Especially during the Advent season. Thank you for sharing and God bless you, Mike & Daniel this Christmas season and always.