Sometimes you just can’t get a song out of your head. Over, and over, again, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” Now, you may be hearing that melody too! Christmas season can be wonderful and full of excitement. But, for some of us, it’s a struggle to get there. Deep inside, our heart is longing for the presence of God while we’re experiencing the reality of loss, the absence of someone we love.Every year we are reminded of how God came to earth, to live and eventually die, for humanity. Scripture tells of the promise of Immanuel, God with us (Matthew 1:23). But what does that look like to have Him here now? How do we receive His comfort and peace in our grief and pain? In December 2020 we were getting ready for Christmas. And at the same time we were facing death. My Dad’s health had been deteriorating and was placed in palliative care. Our family was taking turns sitting by his bedside and holding his hand, just being together. Dad, a man with deep faith in God, wise and kindhearted, was living out his last days. And there we were, waiting for the end in a season of beginnings. He was weak and no longer had the strength to talk, but he would listen to Bible verses, prayers, stories of shared memories, and being that it was December, carols. Now I’ve sung these songs many times before but this was different. The familiar words were being understood in a whole new light. "Come thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee”. I realized these lyrics have relevance and bring hope to all of humanity, the living and the dying! We were experiencing the ache and longing for a Saviour. In that dimly lit room we were waiting for Dad to be with Jesus, to rest in His presence. Immersed in the already, and the not yet. The carol was a reminder of the hope, peace, joy and love that comes from Jesus. Immanuel- His spirit was in us! Through the sorrow and tears of saying goodbye we were not alone.The Hospice Staff also had music playing in his room, Handel’s Messiah on repeat. Growing up, that record was played frequently in our house. As a kid, I remember playing (probably lego) on the living room floor while my Dad did paperwork at his desk as sunshine and music filled the space. In the truest sense, the Messiah filled the space. Handel tells the story of the coming Saviour, struggle and breakthrough. My favourite chorus, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). These descriptions of Jesus overwhelm my heart, oh to savour and meditate on these qualities - He is the One we need.Death came early in the morning on December 26. Exhausted, we stepped into a new reality and this verse from "O Holy Night” rang true, “A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn”. In the weariness and grief, the Messiah brings a new creation. This gift is for all. All people, all places and all time. I cannot fathom the new day that God has prepared for those who love him (1 Cor 2:9). But I know it will be good because He, who is Love, created the future glory.A few days later we had an outdoor funeral service. With sad and grateful hearts we celebrated a life well lived. The last song played was my Dad’s favourite Christmas carol. “Joy to the world the Lord is come, Let earth receive her King, Let every heart prepare Him room, And heaven and nature sing” We had received the King, and the King welcomed us into His Kingdom on earth and in heaven. We ended with “The glories of his righteousness, And wonders of his love”. And there we stood, and departed, sensing our place in this grand story of life. Almost every day I’m reminded of my Dad, I miss him, and someday we’ll be together again. I share this story because grieving and loss are part of all our stories, sudden or gradual, it is part of the human condition. And it’s part of the Christmas story too, as our faith is in the life and the death and resurrection of God’s Son. The sorrow may ebb and flow, ongoing, throughout history. It’s hard and painful and someday we’ll be free. But until that day hold on to the promise of Immanuel - God with us. To experience this I needed to listen. To hear His love expressed through the Bible, lyrics and people. If you can relate, please tell someone your story, share your loss and sadness and look for Immanuel in the details. We are promised that He is present. Seek evidence of His presence and welcome His comfort and strength.The Holy Spirit moved through the words and melodies. And here I thought I knew these old carols so well. The journey, well it was transformative, as the song got out of my head and into my heart.God be with you.“It’s the Most Wonderful time of the Year” Edward Pola and George Wyle 1963“Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” Charles Wesley 1744“Messiah” George Frideric Handel 1741“O Holy Night” John Sullivan Dwight 1855 “Joy to the World” Isaac Watts 1719-Grace Albers, Elder Director, Chair at Sherwood Park Alliance Church