8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” Luke 2:8-15
Shepherds and angels all pointed to the little manger in Bethlehem. Elsewhere in Scripture, wise men from the East made a long distance journey to the little town, following a star in the sky. What a scene that must have been! They were all preparing for the very first Christmas.
Today, though, is a special day. My father-in-law, Larry Carlson, passed away two days ago and I suppose he’s experiencing his first Christmas in heaven right now. It’s an interesting thought, isn’t it?
Those first few moments, what’s it like?
What’s it like to step on that golden shore, as the songs say?
What’s it like to have no more pain and suffering?
What’s his view like up there?
Mainly, what’s it like to see Jesus face to face?
Larry suffered a great deal these past few months, in particular, these past few days. His entire family arrived the day before, the first time in 25+ years all five kids were together. After my wife informed him they would be arriving soon, he said with a hint of sarcasm, “I suppose I have to die now.” He understood how close to eternity he really was.
There are things I won’t be able to do anymore because Larry is experiencing heaven in the presence of Jesus.
I won’t be able to call him Lefty or Captain or Big Guy anymore.
I won’t be able to sing “Up Up and Away” as I hoisted him out of bed in the mornings and back again at night.
I won’t be able to thank him for being a father figure to me through my married life.
No, I won’t be able to do any of those things, but it does open my eyes for ministry opportunities while I still draw breath on this earth. Even if that ministry is just spending time with someone.
Life on earth is short.
Squeeze the most out of every day.
Draw near to God daily.
Be thankful and grateful.
To be sure, it will be odd this Christmas without Larry Carlson. But he’s not alone in cheering us on down here. Millions are trusting us to fight the good fight of faith in these tumultuous times.
In the end, though, I suspect his first Christmas in Heaven will be spectacular.