Christmas Eve. One of the most joyous holidays of the year. One of the holidays my family goes out of its way to make special and has always made special. It’s hard to believe that a year ago was the first time we had not spent the holidays together as a family. It’s hard to believe a year ago my grandfather passed away.
This year is different. We are together in the Middle East celebrating Christmas and we brought my grandmother with us. A time to form new memories and celebrate the holidays with joy. Memories of an interesting church service, where we started laughing at the bell players when the left out half of the song and played ‘unique’ versions of different songs. Laughter when there was only one tenor singing the Hallelujah Chorus and he came in at the wrong time leading to an unexpected solo with a not so great voice. A sermon where we learned that Jesus was a third-culture kid, just like everyone in the congregation. We have made memories of baking plenty of cookies and cupcakes. Memories of protecting our dogs from a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old who wanted to pet, play and pick up our traumatized dogs. Helping the kids decorate cupcakes and finding toys for them to play with around the house. So many memories and it is only Christmas Eve.
It’s a different kind of Christmas from last year,
A year ago my dad had to make an emergency trip back to the United States; we knew my grandfather did not have much time and my dad needed to be there. He left on the 23 and arrived back in the States on the 24th around noon. From the airport he proceeded directly to the hospital to spend the rest of the time with his father. The rest of my dads family had been spending time in and out of the hospital from the day my grandfather was admitted; but being so far away, we didn’t have that luxury. My dad was able to spend the last couple of hours with my grandfather before he passed away shortly before 5pm (PST) on the 24th. My grandfather was a pastor his whole life (he was still working part time up until the day that he passed) and one of my aunts stated it perfectly. She mentioned that he passed away right before the many Christmas services were going to begin at his church. He went home in time for the celebrations.
Due to the time difference, we were awoken to the call in the early hours on the 25th, Christmas Morning. It changed the dynamics of the Christmas, but we knew at the end of the day he was at peace. My last memories with my grandfather were good ones, they were the same ones that my mom, dad and sister shared. The memory occurred over Thanksgiving when my sister and I went to visit him. We taught my grandmother how to skype and in their home, my mom and dad were able to talk with my grandfather. My dad, who is the only guy with hair, and grandpa joked how my grandpa needed a wig and my dad teased him and showed him that he still had a full head of hair. It was a morning full of laughter and memories that still brings a smile to my face.
My dad, my uncle and my grandma are all great singers. They decided to sing to him while in the hospital. They often sang Because he Lives in different churches and my grandpa always enjoyed it. They were singing the song and my grandpa passed peacefully during the last verse, a very fitting verse.
I have spent a lot of this year thinking about my grandpa and remembering him. I think everyone in my family feels the same way. On this anniversary, we remember him and his love for others. We celebrate the life that he lived, and at the same time we celebrate Christmas.
Wherever you are, remember the true meaning of Christmas. Remember God sending his Son to earth to die for our sins. Remember to love unconditionally. Find the good in others. Believe in others. Have hope. Christmas is not about receiving the gifts, it is about giving. Merry Christmas Eve!
Because He Lives
God sent His son, they called him, Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my savior lives!
Chorus:
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living
Just because He lives!
How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance;
This child can face uncertain days because He lives!
Chorus:
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living
Just because He lives!
And then one day, I’ll cross the river,
I’ll fight life’s final way with pain;
And then, as death gives way to victory,
I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He lives
Chorus:
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living
Just because He lives!
