I ran across this little poem that speaks to those who are going through a first Christmas without a loved one. This is for those with an extra empty chair at the table, one less present under the tree, and one less smiling face at the door on Christmas Eve.

The woman who wrote it had a 13 year old daughter with severe cerebral palsy who had a seizure on Christmas Day in 1997 and was in a coma for 5 days before she died. The poem was written during those 5 days:

“I see the countless Christmas trees
Around the world below,
With tiny lights like heaven’s stars
Reflecting in the snow.

The sight is so spectacular
Please wipe away that tear
For I’m spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs
That people hold so dear
But earthly music can’t compare
With the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you
The joy their voices bring
For it’s beyond description
To hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me,
Trust God and have no fear
For I’m spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year.

I can’t tell you of the splendor
Or the peace here in this place.
Can you imagine Christmas
With our Savior, face to face?

May God uplift your spirit
As I tell Him of your love
Then pray for one another
As you lift your eyes above.

So let your hearts be joyful
And let your spirits sing
For I’m spending Christmas in Heaven
And I’m walking with the king!”