12/16/2023

Each holiday season feels different as the years go by. The excitement and almost magical feeling of Christmas as a child is warming in itself. At least, my memory of it is as such. The lights, aromas, and gifts, all so enjoyable to reminisce about. And the people, most of them a good memory, so many now having gone by way of death. The love of grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles, and others never to be re-experienced. Sometimes I can still see their faces and reflect on their importance in my life. I miss them.  My hope and yours, is in the resurrection. As I mourn from time to time for those in Christ who have been separated, for now, by death I look to the resurrection. The Apostle Paul helps us to look to that day in 1 Corinthians 15. He quotes the Prophets of Old in verses 54 and 55 saying:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
“O death, where is your victory?”
“O death, Where is your sting?”

But death is stinging you say? Death is stinging today, death will likely sting again, and again. Yes, the loss and memories of those who die hurt. But remember, death is not an end. Death is a separation. People are eternal. The ultimate death is to be separated from God for eternity in total contrast to our design.  “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” v. 57. Ultimately, Jesus has conquered death. He has made it possible even in the death of our bodies for us to live eternally together, with Him. For the Christian, the sting of death has been defeated. Those who die in Christ await the resurrection of their bodies. Those who have gone before us in Christ we shall meet again!

Yes, the holidays are different. There will be familiar faces this holiday season and likely some new ones. Each one facing death. Each, needing to hear about our Hope. Each needing to know about Christ’s victory over death! How great is our Savior to be born to suffer in our place.

I pray that you will each have opportunities and boldness to share Christ with those whom you will meet with this season. May many hear the Gospel and believe so that we can meet again!