December 2004

(This was a Christmas letter that I didn't send out in 2004. I think it was just part of my expression of grief that year.)

Christmas, 2004
This year has been a mix of recent sadness and hopeful joy. In early September my grandpa was diagnosed with metastatic cancer. He passed away 2 months after this diagnosis. It has been a whirlwind of emotions and events. Having never lost a grandparent these feelings were new for me and I’ve come to appreciate my family and faith, and the faith of my family even more than before. A verse in Philippians 4 states: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This promise has deceased my fears and anxieties in the past 3 months. And although it is difficult to think of the mortality of us all, it is so uplifting to think of the grace and perfect love that Jesus offers us. That, above all gives me joy.
I hope this season will give you time to reflect and meditate on how you find peace in an imperfect world. I pray you find it in the perfect Gift from the God of the universe-Jesus Christ, his Son.