It is amazing to think about how much God loves us! When you take just a moment to really stop and think about the Christmas story and how God out of His great love for us sent His Son to be born into this world, so that we could have a Savior and be restored to right relationship and blessing – it is just an amazing thought! God loves me! I don’t deserve it and I never could! I can’t earn it, not even on my best day. God just loves me, because He is God and God is love! God’s love compels Him to give me the gift of life – everlasting and abundant! He does not have to give me life and love – He has made the choice to bless me with these amazing gifts!
This Christmas as we give and receive gifts, let’s make sure and take the time to appreciate the greatest gift of all – a relationship with God through our Savior Jesus Christ!
Michael Joe Harvell 
It is at Christmas that I have the hardest and the easiest time dealing with the death of my daughter Rachel. It is hard because as I look around at the faces of my daughters I see the reflection of what Rachel would have been doing and I miss her. But, this is also the time when I know, without a doubt, that God is with me. He understands because he too had to go through the loss of a child. My child helped two men live a better life by the transplant of her kidneys. Jesus died to save us all, let us live a better life, receive Grace and everlasting life with Him. And as I cry, Jesus stands crying with me, surrounding me with his love. One of the wonderful gifts I received through this experience was to no longer fear death – for I know that on the other side are the treasures of my heart – Jesus and my Rachel.
Dear Tracy,
I am just getting caught up on the new blog, and noticed your letter. I am so sorry for the loss of Rachel in your lives.
As I read about your gift of assurance, that you would be with her again someday, and that you no longer fear death, it reminded me of a story that my husband related to me just last week.
A man was in his doctor’s office having just been told that he had not long to live. The man told the docotor that he was afraid to dye. The doctor replied: “You are a christian, what’s the problem?” He said:”I just don’t really know what’s on the other side.”
All of a sudden, on the other side of the closed door, extreme scratching was heard. The doctor explained that it was his dog who had never intered the exam room. He sid: “You see, he does not have any idea what is on the other side of the door, but he does know that his master is there. That’s enough for him.
That blessed assurance is all the hope we need to see us through the rough times, and our faith does the rest.
I will pray for you and your family, that God will continue His assurance and comfort till the time of your ultimate reunion with Him and your loved one.
PS We too have a daughter, Rachel.
Your Sister in Christ,
Barbara Day