Christmas in Heaven

While listening to the radio, an old Christmas song came on and I suddenly found myself focusing on the familiar words, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Hmm…is it really? Oh, I’m not being a Scrooge. I remember feeling that way. Just not today. Not this year. Sure, I know it can be the happiest time of year but for many it can also be one of the saddest and most stressful times. For those who have lost a loved one this season brings about a myriad of emotions. We may reflect on Christmases past, while thinking about the ones we will no longer be able to share together. For our family this is the first Christmas when our daughter (sister/cousin/niece/friend) will be in heaven.

While we continue walking this grief journey, there is a void in our hearts that Melanie’s absence has left behind. There is nothing and no one that can fill this empty space. We will miss her presence, and the sound of her laughter. We will miss how she used to like to “play Santa” and hand out the presents to everyone. The real reason she liked doing this is because she could count how many gifts she and her brother received. Lord help us if it wasn’t an even amount! 😊 Leading up to this week we have reminisced about the Christmases we did have together, sharing laughter in the midst of our tears.

What I have found to be so true is that we can experience great sorrow and joy at the same time.

As we get ready to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I would like to share with you a message I received from a very dear friend. One of the questions I’ve been asking myself is, “What will Melanie be doing in heaven on Christmas? What will it be like for her?” Little did my friend know what was stirring in my heart when I received this message last week, but our Heavenly Father knew, and He provided me with what I call a beautiful Godwink.

May this bring you some comfort and touch your heart as deeply as it did mine.

From Melanie’s perspective ♥️

I see the countless Christmas treesAround the world below,With tiny lights, like heaven’s stars,Reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular,Please wipe away that tear-’cause you know, I’m spending ChristmasWith Jesus Christ this year!

I’m hearing all the Christmas songs-They’re ringing loud and clear,But the earthly music can’t compareWith the Christmas choir up here

I have no words to tell youThe joy these voices bring,For it is beyond descriptionTo hear an angel sing!

I can’t tell you of the splendorOr the peace here in this place;Can you just imagine ChristmasWith our Savior, face to face?

I’ll ask Him to lift your spiritAs I tell Him of your love,And you pray for one anotherAs you lift your eyes above.

Please let your hearts be joyful,And let your spirit sing,For I am spending Christmas in heaven,And I’m walking with the King.