"No Parting"

The old gospel songs ‘bout heaven,

Say no parting over there,

But I’ll admit when I was young,

I really did not care.

Because I was a stranger,

To every sad good-bye,

Lost nobody close to me,

Had no one yet to die.

But as I’ve gotten older,

That’s one thing that’s changed,

So many have crossed over,

My emotions rearranged.

They say parting is sweet sorrow,

And yes I guess it’s true,

But when it’s someone special,

And they’re very close to you,

You have to deal with heartbreak,

It’s a very hard good-bye,

And, yes, God gives us comfort,

But you really have to try,

To receive what Jesus gives you,

And see it the right way,

Else it’s overwhelming,

The sadness will hold sway.

That’s why sometimes the holidays,

Are hard ‘cause they aren’t here,

And what we’d give to see them,

And share some Christmas cheer.

So love to Mom and Dado,

Sister Laura, many more,

My mind is filled with memories,

That we all shared before.

And we celebrate the Christ-child,

Born so long ago,

All to become our Savior,

Eternal life to know.

Heaven is our home now,

There’s no parting over there,

And all because of Jesus,

We have this joy to share.

“And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4, NAS)

Heaven is a place where all earthly sadness and mourning is ended. He will wipe away every tear, and that includes the grief we feel from losing a loved one. There will be no more death, praise the Lord, and we will be reunited forever with all who went before us into that place. Jesus said He was preparing it for us, and it will be a huge relief to get there. Christmas is a time of celebrating Jesus leaving heaven to be born on this earth. But His coming is all about filling heaven with those who receive His salvation.

Lord, give us the comfort of heaven, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Andy Mast, used by permission. Thanks, Andy, and God bless you.