You are not Alone

The house was filled with joy as we entered my grandmother’s home on Alfred Street in Northern Indiana. Waves of comforting heat danced on our cheeks from the fire she had built up in her fireplace. The blast of warmth defrosted our cheeks and fingers which had been chilled by the -15F air that attacked us between the car and the front door. Grandma Blech was a widow, though I really didn’t understand what that meant, and lived in a humble home; small yet well-kept and inviting.

In the living room she had set up multiple tables pressed together to seat our large family for Christmas dinner. They were lovingly covered with festive adornments fitting for the season. The house smelled fabulous as hints of ham and pie filled the air. On the fireplace mantle sat five of those pies, each assembled with the love and care that grandma was known for. You see, she truly loved us, pouring herself into each of our lives as we grew up during a restless time in history. The star of the pies was her Christmas pie. What I liked best about the pie was that it was huge! It had a flaky crust filled with a sweet white meringue sprinkled with colorful fruits in a custard base. I am longing for it even now. What an amazing desert!

Grandma was no nonsense, always telling it the way it was from her perspective, yet in love. “Comb your hair!” “Eat your vegetables!” and “Don’t you sass your mom!” were typical phrases we heard. As we walked in she barked, “Wipe your feet!” then she gave each of us a bear hug and kiss. We piled the presents we were carrying for her under the live white pine Christmas tree she had decorated for the season. The presents fell into a great pile mingling with the meticulously wrapped gifts she had prepared for each of us.

One thing that always blessed me about Grandma Blech was that she knew us, each and every one. Yes, she knew our names but she also knew our likes and dislikes, our dreams and passions, and our foibles…and she loved us anyway. She knew us because she took the time to get to know us. We weren’t just her daughter’s children, we were special, loved and cherished just as we were. What an amazing feeling wells up in me even today, many years after her passing, knowing that I was loved by her. Just speaking her name brings back a flood of wonderful memories. Grandma Blech.

What happens in your mind…in your heart…in your soul when you speak the name of Jesus Christ? Is there peace? Is there joy? Is there thankfulness? Are there wonderful memories? Not only does he know your name, but he also knows your heart, your needs, your fears, and your dreams. He is the Giver of Life and the Restorer of all that is broken. He knitted you together in your mother’s womb and breathed life into your body, and he has secured your future, for eternity, through his death and resurrection. And did you know that he loves you…beyond measure?

When we met as a family, grandma would always sit us down to a feast, a feast prepared with her loving hands. The fellowship, the food, and the conversation surrounding the meal brought joy to our hearts and peace to our lives. Those meals were special because the one who invited us and fed us was special.

Dear friends, a day is coming in the near future when the love of our life, Jesus Christ, will sit us down to a banquet. It will be a time of joy, of fellowship and of delight. The blessings we will receive will have just begun because the Host…the Bridegroom, loves us and with perfection, has prepared a place for us in heaven. During this holiday season, remember why there is hope for mankind; because of the love of our Savior. I pray you will experience peace, joy, family, and hope as you squarely place your faith in the Prince of Peace and as you fix your eyes on the Author and Perfector of our Faith; Jesus Christ.

Shannon

John 14:1-4
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”