From Death To Life

This life is so short. Our bodies grow older everyday, and the moments that make up our lives slip by us no matter how much we try to savor them and hold on to them. I watch my little baby sleeping and know that she's going to grow up so quickly and there's nothing I can do about it. I try and remember what it feels like holding her and her fitting like a glove snuggled up next to my body. She won't be this little but for a short time. I wish it could last, but the reality is that it can't. We can't make the moments longer or shorter, they just are. Time continues to tick by whether we want it to or not. 

And each tick leads us inevitably closer to our death. And that's OK. I am not scared of death. My body will feel it, I know I will have to eventually go through that process, and it probably won't be a pleasant experience. But, in the midst of that, I find so much courage, hope, and peace knowing that Jesus will be right there with me, and through His mercy and unfailing love, by His grace and His blood, He will welcome me into His arms and my soul will be with its creator. What joy! I can't fathom it, but my soul yearns to be with Jesus, and until that day comes I will continue to do what He has asked of me while on this earth. To love Him and others, and to obey His commandments.

After Jesus' death, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body. Upon arriving and seeing the stone removed from the entrance to the tomb, two angels appeared to them and said "Why do you seek the living one among the dead? He is not here, but He has been raised." (Luke 24:5) I think this same response can be given to those here on earth mourning the death of a loved one who had faith in Christ while on this earth. As Christians, when we die, it is not our ultimate death. Actually, we really pass on to true, everlasting life. We have been raised with Christ into new life. So though our bodies will die, we will be among the living, not the dead. What a gift! It calls for rejoicing, not mourning.

I've been listening to a song that describes it well. It is called Holy (Wedding Day) by City Harmonic. I've included the lyrics below as well as the link to the song on YouTube.

Holy (Wedding Day): City Harmonic
This is the story of the Son of God
Hanging on the cross for me
But it ends with a bride and groom
And a wedding by a glassy sea
O death where is your sting
Cause I'll be there singing
Holy Holy Holy
Is the Lord

This is the story of a bride in white
Waiting on her wedding day
Anticipation welling up inside
While the groom is crowned as king
O death where is your sting
Cause we'll be there singing
Holy Holy Holy is the Lord

Holy Holy Holy Holy Holy Holy
Is the Lord Almighty
Holy Holy Holy Holy Holy Holy
Is the Lord Almighty
Who was and is and is to come
Who was and is and is to come

This is the story of the Son of God
Hanging on the cross for me
And it ends with a bride and groom
And a wedding by a glassy sea

This is the story of the a bride in white
Singing on her wedding day

Of the God who was and is to stand before a bride who sings
Holy Holy Holy Holy Holy Holy is the Lord Almighty