Christmas time brings a lot of joy – not only from the meaning of Christmas but also from everything else that comes with it, the food, the gifts and friends and family gathering together. It is a fun time of year.
But today I have a burden and I want to share it with you. While this time of year brings joy – for many, it also brings sadness and grief. For those who have lost a spouse or child or parent this year, along with the Christmas joy comes a sense of loss and mourning. This is especially difficult the first Christmas after the loss.
If you are one of those who is living this experience, take heart. God loves you and you will endure. Allow yourself to remember and grieve, but also surround yourself with family and friends you love and simply rest.
For those of us who know friends and family who have lost loved ones this year I offer us a challenge: Go out of your way this Christmas to let them know you love them and that you are here for them. God calls us to laugh when our brothers and sisters in Christ are laughing and cry when they are crying. Live that out this Christmas season.
Clay in the Hands 
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