Because I live, you also will live.

John 14:19b

It was a tough year. My husband of 58 years died; my brother, my only sibling, died; and my step-granddaughter’s mother died. My step-granddaughter is only 22 years old. A dear friend died in that time, too. One of my favorite songs, “Morning Has Broken,” paints a picture of paradise when the world was new, and God saw that it was good. I can imagine a picture of my dear ones holding hands in that sunrise light — washed clean, forgiven, redeemed, and standing in heaven’s joy. And then, as the hymn, “For All the Saints,” says, “the King of Glory passes on His way.” That picture is glowing in my mind’s eye. Christians, believing in Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection, have resurrection hope. Loved ones’ lives on earth, filled with joys and sorrows, have ended, and they now live in a perfect forever. The tough year has had a happy ending. Alleluia.

Sally Beck
Williamsburg, VA

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your gift of peace of mind and heart, knowing we will live one day with You in paradise. Amen.

Reflect: Sketch out how you picture heaven for you and your loved ones.

Read: John 14 and 1 Corinthians 15:50-58