The Sunday Sermonette – Writing Home.
The year was 1943. After three years of undefeated glory in one battle after another, the fortunes of the once unstoppable Axis forces of Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and Imperial Japan were coming to an end. Although the bloodshed would slog on for another two years, the tide of war irrevocably turned in the Allies’ favor in 1943.
One of our most popular Christmas songs was also heard for the first time in 1943, crackling out of the country’s radios with its sentimental lyrics. Written as if a soldier, taking time out from the horrors of war, was writing home to his family, he begins his letter by saying, “I’ll be home for Christmas…” He continues by requesting that they have snow, mistletoe, and presents on the tree. The soldier ends his letter on a bittersweet note, writing, “I’ll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams.”
The song became a particular favorite of USO singers like Bing Crosby, Dinah Shore, and the Andrew’s Sisters, who entertained the troops sometimes in the face of great danger. Marlene Dietrich, who often entertained so close to the battlefield that you could hear bombs exploding, seemed impervious to fear, soldering on to the cheers of our war-weary troops.
Christmas 1943 was also the second anniversary of the Pearl Harbor bombing. The myriad of American families who lost loved ones during that conflagration wished their sons, husbands, uncles, or fathers could be home for Christmas, even if it was in reality…only in their dreams.
Eighty-one years later, many wish their loved one could be home for Christmas, too. For those experiencing their first Christmas without their special someone, there is no snow, mistletoe, or presents on the tree—and it’s anything but merry and bright. We mustn’t ignore our family or friends grieving a fresh loss during the holiday season. Our support and understanding are not just helpful but crucial. They can make a significant difference in their healing process.
For those of you who have lost someone you love, don’t forget the little things that remind you of their love. Embrace those things and let them warm you this Christmas and New Year. Hold on to the comforting memories you have from Christmases past, but know this year will be different. Don’t try to force this year’s Christmas to be the same as those in the past. Do what brings you peace and comfort.
While it’s true that Christmas will never be the same, you can make it meaningful again. Please don’t run away from your feelings. Let them redefine the season, tailoring holiday parties and celebrations to help you mend and meet your new needs. And please don’t forget to pray; pray for guidance from Father God in this time of transition.
For Believers, thankfully, there’s an inner peace that comes from knowing your believing loved one IS Home for Christmas. There is snow and mistletoe and presents on the Christmas trees of Heaven. And one day, your loved one will be waiting at Heaven’s gate to welcome you Home. You’ll be home for Christmas and for all the Christmas’ of eternity. And it won’t be only in your dreams.
Ponder this and go forth.