Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas

The first day of Christmas is almost over, only eleven more to go!

We had the opportunity of spending time with the Pollocks and the Phillips. Jeff and Lucie came for dinner Christmas Eve. Prior to eating they watched "It's A Wonderful Life" while Jonathan and I went to visit our friend, Joe, and his wife, Christine. Joe is now at a Hospice House here in Tacoma. Joe and Bryan began chemo at the same time last January. They both fought hard to the end and now we await Joe's passing. Please keep him and his family in your prayers.

My mom and dad arrived today in time for a late morning breakfast. After clearing the table and straightening up, we began the process of opening the gifts under the tree. Amazingly, James fell asleep before we finished the job. It was a fun day full of laughter and delight. Bryan's picture, with his warm smile, sat on the mantle looking over all the festivities. He was not far from my thoughts. A couple of weeks ago, I heard a song on the radio:

Christmas In Heaven
2008 words and music by Jeremy Johnson and Paul Marino

December hasn’t changed
This town looks the same
They still light that tree in the city square
There’s red, white, and green shining everywhere
And I wish you were here
And I wonder . . .

CHORUS:
Is the snow falling down on the streets of gold?
Are the mansions all covered in white?
Are you singing with angels Silent Night?
I wonder . . . what Christmas in Heaven is like

There’s a little manger scene
Down on Third and Main
I must have walked right by it a thousand times
But I see it now in a different light
Cause I know you are there
And I wonder . . .

Are you kneeling with shepherds before Him now?
Can you reach out and touch His face?
Are you part of that glorious holy night?
I wonder . . . .what Christmas in Heaven is like

At first, it was emotional for me to listen to this song, but when I thought about it I realized that it is always a Resurrection celebration in heaven!

I really do wonder what Christmas in heaven is like.

6 comments:

Nanci Smith said...

I heard that song the other day and I thought of you.

Won't it be wonderful when the Lord comes again and every tear will be wiped away!

Blessings to you all and may you feel Jesus' arms around you more than ever.

Lauren said...

What a powerful song! God bless!

Victoria said...

What a sweet song. I can only imagine. But here's to Bryan's further adventures and I hope he is able to minister to angels.

Anonymous said...

We are praying that God will bless each one of you in a very special way during the next year. You are in our thoughts and prayers often.

Joy Ng

Lisa Jacobson said...

Dear Susan,
You have been on my mind the last month or two and this morning the Lord brought you to mind as soon as I opened my eyes. So I went straight over to my computer and looked up your site. There I learned that your Brian has now gone to be with Jesus. My heart goes out to you and yours. Our family will be praying for all of you.
Sharing in your sorrow,
Lisa Jacobson (a friend from the CH Conference)

Anonymous said...

Susan: Just looked you up on-line and like Lisa found out Bryan is no longer on this earth. I'm SO sorry to hear about Bryan's passing. We will keep you and your family in my and Shawn's prayers. Love, Karen W