Tear Drops On My Keyboard!

 A few years ago, Taylor Swift released a song titled "Tear Drops On My Guitar." Well, I kind feel that way, except I don't play guitar, but I know how to type really well.

I've been feeling very verklempt this Christmas season. Not sure why? It all started when I heard an Elvis Christmas song on the radio that my step dad would play every year while opening presents when I was a kid. We buried him in June! Not sure that I'm missing him so much as the memory of those Christmas mornings. Every. Single. Christmas. Elvis played in the background.

I started thinking about those days. As a kid, our family would cram ourselves into our grandparents living room on Christmas Eve to open presents. Then as the family grew larger, we moved down to their basement. Everyone was present. Moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and some drunk carolers. Good times, back when you could have strangers in your basement and not fear for your safety.

Then one year it was over. Both of our grandparents passed away. The glue that held the family together. Just wasn't the same after they passed! Then before you knew it, more people started passing away. My dad, my mom, one of my uncles. Christmas was really taking a hit, for me. People that really made it special were gone. Just like my grandparents, Christmas just wasn't the same.

So for some reason this year, the remembering of family who are no longer with us, really hit hard. That stupid Elvis song! Just had to hear it. 

I think that God was telling me that everything will be okay. Even though some important people were gone, there were plenty left to celebrate with. He was right, just like He always is. I (we) could share the memories of my mom, uncle and grandparents. How they made Christmas special for us. We could laugh and reminisce with the others. Remember the funny stories. Trust me, there were plenty.

I take comfort in knowing that I (we) will see all these family members again, with the ultimate celebration in Heaven!

So I encourage you tonight. Christmas has passed for the year of 2025. We are on the cusp of a new year. Make it a new beginning with you families. Cherish the time you have together. You'll never know when it will be the last time that you see one another.

Ephesians 4:32 New Living Translation

32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

God bless & Happy New Year!

Rev. Kev.