Celebrate A Life

John 1:4 – In him [Jesus was life, and that life was the light of men.

Today, I would like to share with you another tradition which I have adopted. So often, when we think of the Christmas season we are filled with feelings of warmth and goodwill but that is not the case for many people. Christmas can be a very lonely time for many. In fact, because of this, many churches have started to have services called "Blue Christmas" which address those who are sad during these times. The tradition I have to share today comes from that "blue" Christmas feeling.

Eight years ago in December, I had a very good friend who lost her battle with cancer. She was a young wife and mother and the first person close to my age who had died. She had touched my life in many ways and now when Christmas rolls around, she is never far from my thoughts. Each year, I make my pilgrimage down to the Hospice's "Celebrate A Life" display at our local mall. At their display, they have a large Christmas tree with lights which have been twisted off. As people make donations to the Hospice, they are encouraged to go and twist on a light in memory of that special person. That's what I do for Martine. And then every year on our Christmas tree at home, there is a cardboard ornament which says simply "Celebrate a Life". Although this ornament was meant to remember Martine, it also helps me to remember the other life which all of us remember on Christmas Day – that of Jesus Christ, that precious little baby who was born so long ago!

Prayer: Lord, we thank you for your life and your light that shines in our darkness. We remember especially the people who will be experiencing a "Blue Christmas" this year. May your light give them hope and comfort, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.