Christmas in Heaven

My Dad has been visiting with us this past week. It's kind of a combined Thanksgiving-Christmas holiday (with cheaper in-between airfares!). I really enjoy having him around, and the puppies have been especially delighted to jump into his lap.

Last night, we opened Christmas gifts together. I was really impacted by my Dad's gifts to our family. Each of us received a book about heaven, along with a personal note. Since my Mom's passing earlier this year, Dad has been thinking a lot about what heaven is like. In Dad's note to me, he talked about how he and Mom used to travel the world. They would usually buy a travel guide to tell them what to expect upon their arrival. And he encouraged me to consider this book about heaven as a kind of travel guide for the ultimate destination of our journey. Dad finished his note with a comment about how the book has already impacted his life: "It has been a great blessing to me as I wait His calling me home."

Dad also shared a letter that he recently received from some friends that had worked on projects with Mom and him. The letter contained a beautiful poem and talked about what a great person my Mom was, and how she's now enjoying her first Christmas in heaven. As Dad read the poem to us, he was all choked up with grief and joy, and it really touched my heart.

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I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below,
with tiny lights, like heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular! Please wipe away that tear
for I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,
but the sounds of music can't compare
with the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,
for it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me. I see the pain in your heart,
but I am no so far away; we really aren't apart.
So be happy for me, dear ones. You know I hold you dear,
and be glad I'm spending Chrismtas with Jesus Christ this year.

I send you each a special gift from my heavenly home above.
I send you each a memory of my undying love.
After all, "love" is the gift, more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do,
for I can't count the blessings or love he has for each of you.
So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear.
Rmemeber I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.