Had dinner at home with my parents last night. Towards the end of dinner, my dad calmly told us that one of his long time friend, an uncle who’s very close to our family, just passed away. My mom and I were a bit shocked even though we knew that he had been battling the cancer relapse for the last month or so. Dad told us that this uncle just started responding in his WhatsApp group after silencing for a long time, and that he had started therapy and was getting ready for his son’s coming wedding. So we thought this uncle wouldn’t be leaving us so soon.
My joyous holiday mood just slipped away after hearing the sad news.
I also know of a high school friend who’s father recently passed away, the funeral will be tomorrow, but I couldn’t attend because their family explicitly asked guests with family members’ birthdays in Dec. not to attend (my dad’s birthday was last week).
On this Christmas Day, I think God is trying to remind me again of the purpose He sent His only Son to this world 2000+ years ago – “I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10) The length of our life on earth is limited and uncertain, so it’s important that we cherish our lives here while spreading the Good News of a life that’s full of love, peace, and hope!
