The Sweetest Gift (Where You Are)

By Craig Aven

You’re with the Son of God. You’re with the Prince of Peace. You’re with the one we’re celebrating, and that thought amazes me…the sweetest gift is knowing where you are. You’re with the Son of God.

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” This sentiment rings true in the lives of many around Christmas. But for those who have lost loved ones, Christmas may not be the most wonderful time of the year. Celebrating the holidays without the friends and family members who have gone before us can be difficult, especially the first holiday without them. In times like these, when we grieve, we can find peace in knowing that our only comfort in life and death is in Christ alone. “The Sweetest Gift,” by Craig Aven, reminds us of the resurrection promise that Jesus gives us and why we celebrate his birth in the first place.

Jesus humbly came to earth to save our souls by taking on the punishment for our sins and dying a horrific death. The Good News is that he conquered death and rose from the grave! He did this so that all who believe in him may live for eternity in the presence of God. That is the Resurrection promise in a nutshell.

It seems we have been talking a lot about death and resurrection lately. Between Sunday sermons and Selah Saturdays, we are constantly being reminded of the hope we have because of Jesus’ death and resurrection. This may seem like the kind of thing that should wait until Easter to talk about, but it is such an essential part of our faith that we need to be talking about this all year round. In my opinion, it is also important to talk about this around Christmas time for two reasons.

First, because “Jesus is the reason for the season.” The resurrection and our salvation that comes from Jesus conquering death is the reason why we celebrate his birth in the first place.

Second, when it comes to celebrating the holidays without our loved ones who have died, we need to be reminded of the hope we have because of what Jesus did for us on the cross and that one day all those who are saved will be united again. Our salvation is the greatest gift God has ever given us. And the best part about it is that all you have to do to be saved is, “Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart God raise him from the dead” (Romans 10:9).

While we are celebrating Jesus here on earth, our loved ones who have gone before us and have been saved through faith are celebrating Jesus in Heaven, and one day we will get to join them. One day, we’ll be reunited with all believers and will get to go to the biggest Christmas party we will ever have the pleasure of attending! Isn’t that an exciting thought!?

If you have lost a loved one and are struggling to celebrate Christmas without them, I hope “The Sweetest Gift” brings peace and comfort your way and reminds you of the Resurrection promise. I have also posted a link to a YouTube playlist of other songs and a poem you may find comforting during this time. Warning: you may want to have tissues on hand!

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

Here is a link to “The Greatest Gift (Where You Are)”

A Christmas Playlist for the Grieving

“Different Kind of Christmas” by Mark Schultz

This song came out the Christmas after Janet Gabriel passed away and made my mom and I cry when we heard it on the radio for the first time. It’s such a beautiful song that reminds us it is ok to keep celebrating Christmas even though we may be missing friends and family. It also brings on a whole new meaning to me now because of the coronavirus. I’m sure all of our Christmas’ will be a little different this year in some way.

“Christmas in Heaven” by Scotty McCreery

“The Greatest Gift” by Craig Aven

“My First Christmas in Heaven” poem read by Jeff Cook