Merry Christmas anyway

I don't know how it is where you are, but here, the closer we are getting to Christmas, the more loved ones we are losing.  We just lost another dear friend yesterday.
"That's the way life goes..."
"Been that way for years..."
"Life gives and takes..."
Maybe so.  But this year, we have lost so many friends and family members.  I guess I never paid attention to it before?

One more family with one less
to celebrate this year.
One less gift to buy, but one more
grief, and one more tear.
One more...one less...
the holidays again!
The greatest celebration, yes,
and here we are in pain.

"Jesus, Jesus, our Provider,
see us in our grief.
Know the pain that we are feeling
and bring us relief!
We know that You relate because
Your Word tells us You do.
O show us how to celebrate
with hearts afflicted through!"

'Tis the season.  Celebration
should be uttermost!
Some of us, though, find ourselves
with little for to boast.
But Holy Ghost, our Comforter,
is right along beside,
and He will guide us to that place
where healing does abide!

Is it an unusually high number of loved ones that are passing on, or have I just never paid attention before?  Either way, there are ones out there that we love dearly that are hurting terribly because there is one less person to celebrate with.  My heart joins yours as we recall them with love.
Merry Christmas anyway.
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