Looking Forward
Photographs and memories have gathered ‘round our tree.
Seated too close to them, we are frozen in the past.
We hear the echo of “Blue Christmas” and tearfully sing along.
Days will never be the same because you’re not here with us.
So as wonderful ‘tis the season, and how blessed we are from God, our hearts are broken; we lost our family star.
An empty chair sits by our tree; the place we designated for our Queen Bee.
She said, “no,” to the title years ago; she wanted nothing more than to be the daughter of her King.
A believer in the word of God like John 3:16 and verses more, she lived her life with a humble heart, outstretched arms that welcomed all and sharing was her gift.
“It’s better to give than receive,” we can hear her say. They weren’t just words; her actions spoke in the shoes she shared and the coats she gave away.
So as wonderful ‘tis the season, and how blessed we are from God, our hearts are broken; we lost our family star.
As choirs sing, Christmas bells ring and children smile and giggle,
Lord, keep us present in the present and childlike in our faith.
Those photographs and memories are certainly welcome ‘round our tree, but the past must not edge out the
present for it’s the best time of the year. Let “Joy to the World” be on our lips as we proclaim that Jesus Christ is born. Let our faces reflect the love of God as we define new normal.
“We’ll be okay,” as she would say if we keep our eyes on Jesus.
So ‘tis the wonderful season of hope, and oh, how blessed we are from God. Yes, our hearts are broken, but we will never lose the light from our family star.
Glad tidings we offer for today and tomorrow.
Find hope swaddled in the hay; only the One in the manger lived a perfect life.
Don’t take Him for granted; He forgives our sins everyday.
None too lost for His grace to cleanse. He died on that cross so that we may live. Give Him your heart this day.
It’s what she steadfastly lived and graciously shared. It’s why we can smile at that empty chair.
So ‘tis the wonderful season of joy, and oh, how blessed we are from God. Yes, our hearts are broken, but we will never lose the light from our family star.
Please answer us God as we humbly pray; our lists grow long but not too long for you. Please Dear Father, help us put our sadness aside and look to tomorrow as Jesus’s bride. There’s no room for grief at the wedding feast table. Bethlehem to Jerusalem, we know our God is able. Her soul is rejoicing; let us all do the same. Let’s bow before Jesus and praise His Holy name.
So ‘tis the wonderful season of joy, and oh, how blessed we are from God.
Yes, our hearts are broken, but we will never lose the light from our family star.
Merry Christmas! We love you, and thank you for your prayers, kindness, blessings and business.
The Jimmy Hampton Family
Jimmy, Kathy, Mike, BJ, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren