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Remembering at Christmastime
December 12, 2014
During this Advent season, with Christmas soon approaching, our hearts and minds bring back memories of past holidays. Perhaps a childhood memory of packing up and traveling to Grandma and Grandpa’s house, the car packed with gifts and goodies and a favorite food to share. It may be the receiving of guests into your home for holiday parties, a special time with friends and family.
It may be the memory of a special gift we prayed for or how we touched another with a gift that meant so much to them. Even holiday music brings back memories. Our memory is a powerful gift that can bring joy and excitement but is not confined to remembering only good
and happy times. Within its power, it can also stir in us deep emotion and memory of losses and difficult times in our lives. One can think of memory as very personal and private for it can indeed be held inside ones heart. But memory did not begin in private, it was born out of love and relationship with others; hence the strong emotions it evokes.
The holidays can be particularly difficult for many who are grieving the loss of loved ones, the loss of days gone by or even physical diminishment. Memories of happy times when the whole family and those old friends were young and vibrant play in the mind and we grieve. Grieving can be a lonely time, especially when the world around us is celebrating and the heart is broken by the losses suffered. How is a person to carry on and join in the celebration of Christmas when they are struggling to adjust to the reality that their lives are no longer the same?
It is important to know that feelings of loss are real and each person will grieve in their own way. We must be patient with ourselves and others as we navigate grief and loss, especially during the holidays. As we await the blessed hope of our Savior, Jesus Christ, let us together
pray for all whose memories are filled with pain and loss. May our love for them renew their hope in this life and bring them peace this Christmas.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Psalm 147.3