The Promise of Eternal Life

Advent, a time of waiting…it took on a new meaning for my family and me this year, as we were waiting for our father to pass to his eternal reward. Tuesday was that day and I am feeling so blessed with the reality of my faith in these days.

At a time when life is so centered on the “Season,” I do not have good memories of past Christmases. If that were the whole reason for celebrating, this Christmas would be a terrible one yet again. But the reality is that I am so very thankful that the real reason for Christmas is the same yesterday and forever.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)

No matter what happens in life that does not change. Jesus came as a baby to show us what God was like by living His life as an example for us to follow. He promised us a bright future with Him. In the death of a loved one we get to see, yet again, the promise of eternal life and celebrate in our loved ones passing.

“If all we get out of Christ is a little inspiration for a few short years, we're a pretty sorry lot. But the truth is that Christ has been raised up, the first in a long legacy of those who are going to leave the cemeteries.

There is a nice symmetry in this: Death initially came by a man, and resurrection from death came by a man. Everybody dies in Adam; everybody comes alive in Christ.”
I Corinthians 15:19-21 (The Message)

Fiona Monaghan