Christmas Reflections

Christmas.

Presents, trees, lights, cookies, parties, shopping, family.

Missing family members, hours in a hospital, and losing someone we loved very much.  Someone our church loved very much.

The Beach family has been a part of our lives since before we moved up here.  Jim was the one that was in contact with us from the beginning of our transition to Crystal.  His daughter Amanda has watched our kids from day one.  The Beaches feel like family to us.

After a roller coaster recovery from heart surgery these last two weeks, Jim is no longer in pain, hooked up to any machine or suffering in any way.  He gets to spend Christmas WITH Jesus!  How cool is that?!?

But it doesn't make it any easier for those of us here.  We miss him already.  We wanted him to recover!  To get back to running sound.  To encouraging, praying for, and yet setting Stephen straight when needed!  We wanted him desperately to recover because we need more strong men of God.  Ones with a REAL faith and belief in Jesus.  Ones with a true servant's heart.  Ones that are prayer warriors.  Men like Jim.

So here I sit Christmas morning, and all of a sudden our own family plans just don't seem important.  I can't sleep...not because of anticipation, but because of deep sorrow.

It's sorrow for this incredibly special man that is going to be sooooo deeply missed.  It's sorrow for his family, church family, and friends.

It's also sorrow for those of you that have lost a loved one this time of year.  For first Christmases without loved ones.  For families that are separated this year and can't be together.  For those suffering with cancer or other difficult diseases.  Sorrow for those that have to spend Christmas in the hospital or a nursing home.

Yes, there is sorrow, and yes this is a difficult Christmas, but it is easier because of that little baby born 2,000 years ago.  Because He reminds me that all of this life is but a shimmer of eternity, and I am so thankful that I know Him and that He is a part of my life.  Was a part of Jim's life.  Jesus gives me hope and peace and joy...not just this season, but always.

Blessings to you this Christmas season...may you remember the birth of our Savior and trust in Him alone!