In less than two weeks, Lord willing, we will welcome John home! I’ve been brainstorming and scouring the internet for “welcome home” poster ideas. I think my favourite so far might be: “‘Love is patient…’ (I Cor. 13:4) But 188 days is long enough!”

It’s been helpful lately, in the final stretch of this wait, to have the distraction of Christmas preparations. The kids and I have done way more decorating, movie watching, and baking than we would normally do by this point in Advent.

The other day on a drive to town we were discussing a Blue Christmas service being advertised by a church, and the kids wondered what that was. They had never heard of such a thing. So I explained how Christmas can be a really sad time for some people, especially those who have lost a loved one and are facing the season, with all its traditions, without them.

A few days later, one of the kids said to me, “I think I understand now what you mean about Christmas being really hard for some people. I mean, we’ll get Daddy back before Christmas, and I’m still feeling sad that he’s not here to do all these things with us.”

This kid was right. Hanging Daddy’s handmade ornaments on the tree just wasn’t the same without him here. Listening to a bit of Handel’s Messiah each morning during breakfast isn’t the same without him. He loves the Messiah! Watching Christmas movies isn’t the same without him here to laugh at Charlie Brown’s mishaps or Mr. Bean’s antics. Our annual trip to the thrift store for the kids to pick out presents for each other wasn’t the same without his help. We usually take turns helping them choose something for Mom and Dad as well, as everybody tries to keep what’s in their carts a secret. It’s a lot for one parent to juggle!

As nice as it’s been to really embrace and find comfort in our family traditions this year, there has been a marked void. And we are looking so forward to having John with us again in another twelve days.

This temporary void in our family, however, is making me keenly aware of those who are sorrowing or suffering from lasting pain and loss right now, those for whom the familiarity of the season is bringing with it some very unfamiliar emotions. I am praying more often for the lonely, the waiting, the fearful these days. If that’s you, I’m praying for you today!