Is it really?

Christmas is well known for it's holiday cheer and warmth. Christmas is commonly referred to as "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" (as the song goes). Everyone's spirits are lifted as the music plays, lights go up, trees are decorated, gifts are bought, and the baking begins.

While it is an uplifting season in general, my heart goes out for those that have lost a loved one recently. In particular, I think of my family. Just over a week ago, my mother's cousin passed away, at the age of 46. She had been battling cancer for just over a year, and passed away unexpectedly. Despite the fact that she was officially my "second cousin", she was like an aunt to me. She leaves behind a loving husband, who is one of the nicest men I have ever met, and three beautiful daughters who are all in their teens. I am very close with these three girls, as I have spent many weeks babysitting them. Our family is very close in general, as the husband is an only child, and so his cousins (my mom being one of them) were like his immediate family. My heart breaks as they enter into a season that is supposed to be jolly and happy, and they are grieving the huge loss they have experienced.

Not only has this occurred specifically to my family, but to many down in the states with the shooting at the elementary school. My heart aches for all the families affected by this.

At the funeral on Monday, my cousins eldest daughter had written a wonderful tribute about her mother. Amidst the tribute, was the underlying tone of, "she didn't deserve this?", and, "why did this happen?", and, "it isn't fair!" It's the toughest question to answer, especially to a family that haven't grown up in the church. I'm hoping to be a support, especially for the girls, as they transition into this difficult situation. I hope that I can be a shining light of Jesus' compassion and love through my actions and support. It's not going to be easy, but I know God will guide me and my words.