Over the last month I've had occassion to attend funerals for the parents of two friends. As a child and young adult, I attended funerals with my parents for many people (I have a large extended family). These were usually very sombre affairs with few smiles and much mourning. At one, for someone I was very close to, the widow was reduced to a hysterical mess such was the outpouring of grief from those who came to offer their condolences.

The last two funerals I've been to were very different. They were, dare I say it, happy, celebratory events. The reason they seemed different - they were celebrations of the lives of people who have gone to join their Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. The eulogies and personal addresses were focussed on the godliness of the poeple but, more importantly, on the way Christ gave their lives meaning and purpose.

Many atheists would argue that for someone to need an alledgedly ficticious being to give them purpose is a sign of weakness. I'd argue the opposite. When I look at the despair and lostness (I know that's not a "offical" word but language is an evolving thing OK) in our world, I can't help but to think how the purpose and love of Christ would be source of comfort and how the Holy Spirit, if we let it work through us, would be a source of peace for people.

So, to all the people who are bereaved by the loss of a loved one who was a Believer - be satisfied that they are with their Lord and saviour. For those who have lost a non-believer - I'm sorry for your loss and pray that you'll find peace and solace in Christ.

 Eternal Life • Funerals • Heaven