Sadness for Christmas

Sitting here going over my notes for today’s funeral, I am reminded that we are officially in the “Christmas Season,” and everyone is supposed to be excited and happy that Christmas is coming. For many people however, this will be a Christmas without someone they have lloved for many years, or any length of time, because death has taken a family member or a beloved friend, or some one who was “close” in the operation of life.

I am certain it is the corruption of the holiday that causes the damage. Now a “Holiday” when the exchange of gifts has reached into every facet of society, and parties and gatherings for food and drink are myriad, there is little to no focus on the heart of why Christmas celebrations began. While the Savior did not arrive in Bethlehem during the dead of Winter, He has come to redeem all men, and celebrating that can take place any month, any day, or every day.

In you’re celebrating this year (if you do that at a particular time), remember those who are struggling with a profound loss, and are not as excited as one might normally be. While the hurt runs deep any time, it seems to be more prominent during the “holidays,”

I like the adage “He is the reason for the season,” and we must, as those who have received redemption, find ourselves focusing lloving care in the life of all who cannot find much joy in the holiday expectations. This year as you do what you do for Christmas – send a note, make a call, take time for those surrounded by the specter of death’s intrusion in life.