As the days grow short, and the nights grow long during this holiday season, grief can find its way to the surface during this season. Perhaps more than any other season. Suddenly a memory comes so real you believe it’s happening right then. A memory stirs up while you are driving, and it is so strong you can audibly hear your loved one’s voice in the backseat.

I think that is why grief is so surprising and impactful in our lives. When you love deeply, you grieve deeply. Loss is an unfortunate part of living. One day we will encounter the pain of loss. While there are stages of grief, there is no timetable for grief.

As we move into the Christmas season, I wish to offer you some words of hope from an old hymn:

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;

The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide;

When other helpers fail and comforts flee,

Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.