Behold Him
“…Won’t be the same kind of Christmas
Some years, it’s wonder and lights in the sky
Some years, it’s okay to cry
Some years, it’s okay to cry
In еvery prayer that you lift to the sky
In еvery tear that you cry
In your silent night, When you’re not alright, Lift your eyes and behold him
Feel the thrill of hope. You are not alone.
In this moment, behold him.
Feel the thrill of hope. You are not alone.
In this moment, behold him.
Born to seek and born to save. Born to take our pain away
God with us, Emmanuel. In his arms, all will be well
God with us, Emmanuel. In his arms, all will be well
In your silent night, When you’re not alright, Lift your eyes and behold him.
Feel the thrill of hope. You are not alone.
In this moment, behold him
King forevermore. Come let us adore
Christ our savior, behold him.
Feel the thrill of hope. We are not alone.
In this moment, behold him. In each moment, behold him”
Feel the thrill of hope. You are not alone.
In this moment, behold him
King forevermore. Come let us adore
Christ our savior, behold him.
Feel the thrill of hope. We are not alone.
In this moment, behold him. In each moment, behold him”
-Lyrics from “Behold Him” -Francesca Battistelli
It’s no secret that many of us lost loved ones in 2024. Many days the staff would silently cry as we heard the news of another member gone to be with the Lord, knowing that we would have to share more sad news. It became harder as the staff experienced their own losses, wondering how we could remotely begin to support and grieve with others when we have our own grief. More silent tears shed as we began planning this season. Knowing just how difficult it would be to move through traditions without our loved ones, and wondering how we could encourage everyone to find joy when we ourselves are having a hard time doing so.
I find peace in the lyrics above, in the scripture God has given us, in the promise of Advent. “Some years, it’s wonder and lights in the sky… Some years, it’s okay to cry…”. I’ve done my fair share of that this year. But the promise of Advent stands strong. Jesus, born of a virgin, came to set each and every one of us free. To save us from our sin. To give eternal life.
And what a GLORIOUS picture it is to see all of our loved ones in pure joy as they are surrounded by angels.
So It’s okay if this season isn’t as joyous as previous ones, or ones to come. Our grief is okay, even this time of year. But remember..
“In your silent night, When you’re not alright, Lift your eyes and behold him
Feel the thrill of hope. You are not alone.
In this moment, behold him.”
Feel the thrill of hope. You are not alone.
In this moment, behold him.”
You are not alone. We grieve with you, even when we don’t always know how.
Merry Christmas.
Torri Meunier & JFUMC Staff
*We hope you’ll join us for our Longest Night Service on December 22, 2024 @ 6PM at Vista Grande Villa.
*Song linked above. Click the title to listen today.