These last few weeks my heart has had a heavy place in it. This past year two very precious people we know went to be with Jesus.

Many of you remember me mentioning, Brian, a tender-hearted man of God – lover of the orphan and widow. Along with his wife, Cecelia, they were one of the most generous couples Dw and I have ever met in our entire life. Their story is one of compassionate generousity. Not something that can be said about most today. In February of this year Brian went to be with his sweet Savior after a horribly long battle with a very rare and painful cancer. His loss is so hard on Cecelia and their three young kids: Jessica, Brett and Cody – and everyone that knew him!! Dw and I still choke up each time we talk of Brian. Such a precious saint – truly!

Then there is a young man, Joshua. The youngest son of friends of ours and a friend of our Grahams. He was 13 and went to be with Jesus after a horrific and very tragic accident. Josh’s mom, dad and only brother were sitting in the row behind me this past Sunday morning. All through the service, although we have so much to rejoice about I could think of little else except their pain and I kept starting to cry.

Then, of course, there is Stephen and MaryBeth Chapman and their little tiny Maria.

All of these folks are about to celebrate their first Christmas without their precious treasure. My heart cannot even comprehend what that must be feeling.

So in the midst of all your Christmas festivities I am asking each of you to remember those who have lost someone this past year. Pray for them. Bear their burden. Minister to them. Love on them. If you don’t know what to say, tell them you are praying for them. And always be sensitive to their deep pain.