Christmas in Heaven

This post is dedicated to James Michael Rusinka (my cousin, Jan's son). He passed away on November 17 after battling many years with CHF. He was only 26. There is no easy time to lose a loved one, and the first Christmas is always the hardest. This poem was written by a Mom who lost her daughter on Christmas Day. (Story behind the poem).

Christmas in Heaven

I see the countless Christmas trees

around the world below

with tiny lights like heaven's stars

reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular

please wipe away that tear

for I am spending Christmas

with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs

that people hold so dear

but the sounds of music can't compare

with the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you

of the joy their voices bring

for it is beyond description

to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me,

I see the pain inside your heart

for I am spending Christmas

with Jesus Christ this year.

I can't tell you of the splendor

or the peace here in this place

Can you just imagine Christmas

with our Savior face to face?

I'll ask him to lift your spirit

as I tell you of your love

so then pray for one another

as you lift your eyes above.

Please let your hearts be joyful

and let your spirit sing

for I am spending Christmas in heaven

and I'm walking with the King.

Wanda Bencke

Copyright 1998

GOD'S LOVE

How big is God's Love??
Is there enough to heal a wounded heart?
Can it be trusted to comfort and not abuse?

Others said they could be trusted – they lied.
Others said they would stay – they left.
Others said they loved you – they betrayed your trust.
They left scars that don't seem to end.

Can God be trusted??
How can you ever trust again?
He calls you “His Beloved” – What does that mean?
He says that He is Faithful – How long is that?
His Love is pure – How do you know the real thing?
How can you let yourself be used again?
Why take the risk?

"Open your heart," they say.
Easier said than done.
The walls and the locks were put in place long ago.
The vows of self-protection locked the doors.
Any cracks were sealed up tight.
"No one is ever going to hurt me again!!"

How can you open yourself up again?
WHY take the risk?
Isolation is easier.
Surface Relationships,
Masks, Diversions, "I'm fine,"
Easy conversations, Games ==> LONELINESS!!

Is it possible to love again?
Is it possible to ever FEEL loved?
God's Love HEALS the Broken-hearted.
He sees the pieces.
He knows how they fit.
Piece by piece He puts them together.
He CAN make it whole again.
EVERY part of your heart is valuable.
Don't throw away any pieces.

How did you get here?
Why is your heart broken?
Darkness crept in. Ugliness grew.
Hidden sin gave birth to a monster (Bondage).
Now he has you captive.
You are locked into the very thing
that was supposed to protect you.
Imprisoned in your own heart –
You are surrounded, but all alone.

Let God's Love in.
Open your heart to HIM.
Only HE can fulfil your deepest longings.
HIS Love IS big enough.
It is more than you will ever be able to contain.
Make Him your all in all.
No one else – No person, No Idol –
GOD Alone!
Depend on HIM.

Lay your heart at HIS feet.
He won't step on it.
He won't crush it.
He won't ignore it.
He will cherish it.

He loves you.
Open your heart and receive His Love.
Open your heart and let Him cleanse out the sin.
Open your heart and “Let God be God” in YOU.

How can you know the depths of His Love?
Ask Him to show YOU how much HE loves YOU.
He won't disappoint you.
HIS Love IS big enough.
Let HIS Love consume you.
Then the need in your heart WILL be satisfied.
THEN you will be secure.
Then you can rest in His arms –
SAFE in HIS LOVE.

Selah Y
13 Jan 2000