Christmas is not an easy time when a loved one is nearing death. I know this first hand, as I had to say goodbye to my mom two years ago. Mom knew the Lord and was not afraid to die. But is it never easy to say goodbye to a parent?

Even when you know death is not final, that your loved one will be reunited with family members who have gone before them, the reality of loss is still difficult to embrace.

I am grateful for the time we have had together, happy that we worked through our differences in years past. The last time I crawled in to her hospital bed and lay there quietly with my arm around her, we didn’t have to speak. It was a silent night; all was calm and all was at peace.

And I wondered… What did God feel the night He gave His Son to be born in a lowly manager, knowing 33 years later, his son would die? The tiny babe would grow in stature and be put to death for our sins. On this side of Heaven, the celebration of birth is always matched with the reality of death.

But the baby Jesus brought hope. The plan to save us was put into motion by the birth of the Christ child. The story of Christmas ends with the triumph of God. One day, there will be no more tears, no sorrows, and no disease.

Rejoice! Our Light has come!

So if you must prepare to say goodbye to someone you love, have hope. As the person passes from this life into the presence of God, you will see that person again worshipping around the throne of the babe who was the light of the world.

On a starry night long ago, darkness gave way to light.  And that light remains no matter how dark the night may be.