The sanctuary glowed with the lights of the season. Every window held a different scene honoring the birth of a child so many years before, each focusing on a life that would impact the world. In one corner, overseeing it all, towered the tree, clothed in the symbols of Christianity, shimmering in gold and silver and purest white. And on this day, perfectly placed at the center of it all, is the casket.

Flanked on both sides by an abundance of flowers, blanketed in white lilies, roses and hydrangea, it briefly seemed at odds with its surroundings. This was a time of joy, a time of celebration, yet here stood a symbol of sorrow and loss. But this had been a life well lived and, although there would be grief and mourning, there would also be a celebration of that life, an acknowledgement of the many other lives that had been touched.

Not every life can be celebrated, for not every life has fulfilled its potential. When Death visits too soon or with no regard to those left behind, it is difficult if not impossible to celebrate. When children are left without a parent or taken at a tender age, celebration is so far removed as to be unthinkable. Yet still there are those small silver linings: at least they were ours for a while to touch and to hold and to love, at least they were here no matter how brief the time. And sometimes, the briefest lives have the greatest impact.

Even when a life has been fully lived, it may be difficult to celebrate. There are holes which will never be completely filled, voids in our lives which will remain so forever. You cannot love someone without suffering when they leave; it is a sad fact of life that to experience the joys of love we must be prepared to cry unending tears and endure unbearable pain.

The holiday season is here; it will proceed with or without our participation in the festivities—participation that may seem impossible if we are in the clutches of grief. I would encourage you to find those quiet moments during which you can reflect upon those you have loved and lost—those who took the joy of the season when Death took them. Find those small silver linings and hold onto them when the pain becomes too great. And if you simply cannot find any joy to be had at this time of year, remember—as with most other things—this too will pass. We just have to take it one day at a time.

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