I walked into the kitchen to refill my ice water. My parents had been holed up in the kitchen for well over an hour, being busy little elves wrapping all our Christmas presents. Its rare that we are all together on Christmas. My parents live overseas, and my sister, brother and I all live in different states spread across the country.
As I walked over to the sink, mom said "I'm a little weepy today. Its not because I'm upset, but I just really miss Whitney right now and think I need a hug." I gave my mom a huge bear hug, tears welling up in my own eyes. Mom pulled back and said, "I think Dad needs a hug, too." I turned around and my teary eyes met the misty eyes of my daddy. I gave him a huge hug, as we both said how very much we wished Whitney was here with all of us now.
This is family. This is Christmas. Speaking the hard words, but never feeling alone in them. I hardly get to see my parents througout the year. But I am so thankful that when I do, they remember her. There are three stockings hung on the stair rail for all the littles... Oh, how I wish there were 4. But I am filled with joy and overwhelming gratitude for the Saviour that came to conquer death and give us life ever after with Him. Our arms that ache to hold Whitney are filled with hopeful anticipation of the day that He will wipe the tears from our eyes, and we will meet her again. But even better than that, we will know complete & holy worship of the One who loved us enough to send His only son, to die for my sins, so that we would not know eternal death but eternal life instead. Oh, what a glorious gift!
My heart and prayers are with all of you who are missing a loved one this Christmas. Though the pain and loss are very real and ever-present, please know that in Christ-- the one who came to give us life eternal-- there is hope. There is peace. There is joy. There is restoration. There is redemption. May you experience all of those this season.
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