Daily devotional, Dec 19, 2023 See you later

"Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him." 
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

The merriest season of the year can be the toughest for a person who just lost a loved one. In a season of partying, and just chilling out at home with family, the absence of a loved one at Christmas can be heart-wrenching.

But even the bereaved can still manage to be hopeful. As Christians, our faith is founded on a Savior that has conquered death, and has given us eternal life. In His conversation with His friend Martha, Jesus as quoted in the Gospel of John assured her:

"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?'" 
John 11:25-26

When we put our hope in Jesus, we can be sure that we will get to see again our departed loved ones who are also in Christ. In one of his letters to the Thessalonian church, the Apostle Paul explained the end days and how we will get to be reunited with those who have passed on:

"After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words." 
1 Thessalonians 4:17-18

Let us rest our hearts in the thought that the Lord is our Greatest Comforter. Our loved ones who may have experienced pain due to lingering illness, or accidents from injuries are now pain-free, and stress-free with the Lord, and are rejoicing with Him. 

"‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” 
Revelation 21:4

If the above passage from the Book of Revelation still fails to comfort you, then read the below verses from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah:

"The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death." 
Isaiah 57:1-2

If there is one thing that we can still do while we are still here on earth, it is to spread the good news of salvation. By helping others, especially our loved ones, accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior, we can be sure that we will get to see them on our own respective time in eternity. So how can we do this? Here are some practical ways that we can carry this out this Christmas vacation:

1. Invite a family member or friend to attend church (misa de gallo, simbang gabi, or any mass) or worship service either this Christmas or during this Christmas Break. Treat them with a simple Christmas dine out or coffee date after.
2. Invite a family member or friend to join your bible study or prayer group.
3. Share the good news to at least one relative or friend during a pocket conversation in one of the Christmas get-togethers that you attend.
4. Do not be shy to initiate or lead the prayer before meals during your Christmas get-together, and mention the real reason for the season during the prayer.
5. Ask your relatives and friends how you can pray for them this Christmas, and take it as an opening for those who may want to listen to you to share the good news.

If you are wondering what is the best gift to give this season, it is the gift of Jesus, the real and one true meaning of Christmas. Let His name be known, let His story be told, so that everyone can experience the true meaning of love, peace, and joy.

Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on 1 Corinthians 14:42-45 and John 5:24-30 to dig deeper on today’s topic.

Reflection Question: Are you still mourning the loss of a loved one? How does Jesus change your perspective about death and life?

Conversation with the Lord: Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for conquering death and giving us the promise of eternal life. We look forward to being with you and our loved ones who have passed on, and share happiness with you throughout eternity. Amen.