December 15, life and death at Christmas.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it

abundantly. John 10, 10. As I was about to begin this devotional, I received word that Marion

Newstrom had just died. Marion and her husband, Elmer, had been part of our church longer than

most of our members had been alive at the time. She was 87. They had been married 64 years.

When I spoke to Elmer and told him I wanted him to be strong in the Lord and not give up on life,

he said he has been a true friend. I pray that all Christians will be able to say at the end of

life Christ has been a true friend. Each advent, I marked the anniversary of my mother's death.

She was cut off in her 56th year in a bus accident in Israel. It was December 16, 1974.

Those events are incredibly real to me even today. If I allow myself, I can easily come to tears.

For example, thinking that my sons never knew her. We buried her the day after Christmas. What a

precious Christmas it was. Many of you will feel your loss this Christmas more pointedly than ever.

Don't block it. Let it come. Feel it. What is love for if not to intensify our affections,

both in life and in death. But oh, do not be bitter. It is tragically self-destructive to be bitter.

Jesus came at Christmas that we might have eternal life. I came that they might have life

and have it abundantly, John 10, 10. Elmer and Marion had discussed where they would spend their

final years. Elmer said, Marion and I agreed that our final home would be with the Lord.

Do you feel restless for home? I have family coming home for the holidays. It feels good.

I think the bottom line reason for why it feels good is that they and I are destined in the depths

of our being for an ultimate homecoming. All our homecomings are four tastes and four tastes are good.

Unless they become substitutes. Oh, don't let all the sweet things of this season become substitutes

for the final great, all-satisfying sweetness. Let every loss and every delight send your hearts

...