Today’s featured article is written by Loretta Dalton. Dalton and her husband, Anthony, live in Baldwin. Their son, Jonathan, suffered from anxiety, depression and addiction. He died from suicide when he was only 18 years old.
I learned about it at an early age. I taught my children about it. Throughout my life, I have heard countless sermons dealing with it. I even wore buttons and pins declaring the reason for it; yet, it took a tragedy for me to truly get it.
When my children were growing up church was always a priority, especially at Christmas; but I spent much more time finding the perfect Christmas outfits for them to wear than I did praising the reason we were attending services. I loved to watch them sing in the children’s choir at Christmas, but how many times did I let the stress of getting them to practice and getting them ready to perform, overshadow the joy of my Savior’s birth? I am ashamed to admit that Christmas was often commercial in my home as we enjoyed showering our children with the latest gadgets and newest toys. We gave lip service to the reason for it all as we passed the babe in the wooden manger on our way to the tree with an abundance of presents underneath.
The years passed much too quickly; many Christmases came and went. In 2010, I suddenly found myself with a very empty nest. My daughter was married and my son was dead. That year, there were no decorations, no tree, no carols playing and no manger displayed. My home and my heart were void of joy. My days and sleepless nights were consumed by grief.
It snowed that Christmas. I envisioned my friends and family happily enjoying this rare occurrence with their families. I wanted to scream to the top of my lungs that the snow was just cruel. How dare God let it snow this year! Yet, in the sadness of the day, I began to truly focus on the meaning of my Savior’s birthday.
I realized that because of His birth, my prodigal son was welcomed into the loving arms of our Lord. Because God sent His son to live on earth and die on the cross, his sin debt was paid in full. Because of Him, I have the assurance that my separation from my child is only temporary.
Even in the midst of our deepest grief, we can praise God for the gifts He has given us; the greatest of which is Jesus. My focus at Christmas is much different now. I finally got it!
