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Mild He lays His glory by,

Born that man no more may die;

Born to raise the sons of earth,

Born to give them second birth.

-Charles Wesley

My husband Michael died by suicide just three weeks after Christmas. Between the holidays and replaying the days and moments leading up to his death, it can be easy to let grief consume me this time of year. But these lyrics, these lyrics bring hope!

Though I’ve sung them year after year, diving in deeper to help me understand their meaning has made me realize, even more, God’s love for us. God sent his Son in the form of a helpless baby–a baby born to a poor virgin, in one of the poorest towns, Nazareth–all for US! He “lay His glory by” so that we could have eternal life with Him!

Before Michael died, I believed this and had experienced God’s love and faithfulness but did not quite understand the magnitude. As a middle schooler, my mom nearly lost her life–twice–due to complications from a surgery. At 14, I witnessed a horrific car accident, and then watched a friend die. College brought its own challenges, along with the death of friends. In February 2014, our son went into anaphylactic shock at nine-months old, and I wasn’t sure we would make it to the hospital in time. He was diagnosed with life-threatening food allergies and Anaphylaxis.

I know many have been through worse by the time they’re 30, and I don’t say these things for pity but to share how every step along this journey of life, even when I couldn’t see, the Lord was there and preparing me for what I was going to face in the future. He continued to show his faithfulness–not always answering my prayers how I asked–but He showed up every single time!

However, at 31, I experienced my worst fear in this life–losing my husband. This knocked me to my knees. I thought I would never survive, but Jesus met me in my sorrow, guilt, shock and pain–every day, every night.

As Believers, we celebrate our Savior’s birth on Christmas. Though I should have all along, I have never been more grateful and thankful for Jesus’s birth until after Michael’s death. Because of Jesus, I will one day get to see Michael again. Through Jesus’s birth, death and resurrection, we never die; we transition from our earthly life to eternal life!

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (NIV)

And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
1 John 5:11 (NIV)

Grief changes but never goes away. We always miss our husbands, but this time of year can be an in-your-face time that they aren’t here. As we approach Christmas, let us focus on Jesus. Let us focus on the blessings He has given us and on the work He still has for us–to share His message of goodness and eternal life. And, when it’s our time, He’ll call us home to be reunited with those we love. Until then, sisters, find joy in Him! Glory to the new born King!

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1: 2-4 (NIV)

Lord, This time of year can bring sorrow. Help us to focus on the meaning of Christmas as we give glory to Your Son. Thank You for Your love and faithfulness. Give us strength, courage and peace as we continue to do Your will on this Earth. In Jesus name, Amen.