The memorial service at the Church held in honor of our dear brother-in-law, Harry, was a bitter sweet reminder once more of the brevity of life and the hope we have. It was an old fashioned service interwoven with the vitality of young grandchildren giving a last tribute or recital on the piano, a thoughtfully written email sent from abroad to be read to the family and a life story told while scanned images gave glimpses of those stages of life on the screen. Music and messages, in German as well as in English lifted our souls to look on Him who gave and will give again.
Not having heard a German message for a very long time, I was intrigued by the beauty of the language and how the truth I know in my head, sounded in my heart language. It was said that when Harry was asked what scripture he would want read at his memorial - without skipping a beat he had quoted Romans 8:1, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." The legacy he left for his family was one of assurance in his destiny.
After the service we all stepped into our vehicles and joined the long line-up of almost bumper to bumper cars, hazard lights flashing, to follow the hearse to the cemetery.
It is a feeling hard to describe . . . the one of sitting in one of these cars, united in a procession to escort the family as they usher their beloved's body to his final resting place. Other drivers can pass on by or wait impatiently . . . but the motorcade is intact, headed through town together.
We followed along the long drive into the cemetery
and eventually parked snug behind each other.
Getting out of our vehicles, we gathered to find the spot prepared . . .
The pallbearers, brought out the coffin and set it down on top of the place
where it would be lowered into the ground.
A heart-quickening silent moment of truth for young and old.
Meanwhile, we as family and friends gathered around in unanimous support
of the ones closest and dearest to him on this earth.
The pastor once more reminded us that this is not the end of the story
as he spoke of a day when the Lord Jesus returns
and the dead in Christ will arise to be forever with Him.
Yes... this is the hope we profess, based on the prophecy . . . that . . .
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new! Then he said, "Write this down, for there words are trustworthy and true." Revelation 21 : 3 - 5
17 comments:
Thinking of you and praying for you as you have "let go" of two dear siblings in a very short time. Praying that the peace of God would surround the family and that there would be joy in celebrating a life well lived! What a privilege to KNOW that you will meet again!
Such a long line of cars filled with people who loved, mourned and rejoiced in that strange mix of emotions that only Christians feel.
We have the same mix in our hearts, our loved one will have a memorial service some day. It is a lonely feeling to be such a scattered family in mourning.
What a day that will be! Thanks for sharing the joy that comes even in the most difficult of times...as a family gathers together to celebrate a life well-lived.
Thinking of you and your family during this time.
Thank you for writing this Tribute for Uncle Harry! A man who touched so many lives. Pierces my heart again as we walk along this journey of grief oh, to close to Mom's.Thanks for all your support!
Love you
Jen
Love the wreath with "Till we Meet Again" Lovely tribute Anneliese. I've been in so many of those line ups. I'm glad my parents never shielded me from death...
Such a beautiful tribute to your brother-in-law Anneliese! It's hard to say good-bye and especially so during this Christmas season. Hugs to you and your family.
So sorry for your loss. It's always such a solemn sight to see a funeral procession, or to be in one...a shared sense of solidarity in one's grief.
So sorry to hear the news. Thinking of all of you and praying that the peace of God would guard your hearts.
A beautiful tribute to a man who is now with the Lord he loves.
I`m typing through tears - my grandparents are buried in that very graveyard. I`m thankful for the godly legacy they left behind.
May God`s peace and comfort be very present in your life during these days of mourning.
What a beautiful post...reminds me of several family funerals that I have attended, right down to the beautiful wreath at the end. Love you my friend!
Beautifully written, Anneliese. What a glorious ending we all have to look forward to. My sympathy to you on your recent losses.
Helen
A beautifully written tribute to your brother-in-law. I am sorry for your loss.
A sweet tribute.Sorry for your loss,but so grateful for your hope!
What a beautiful post. Thank you for taking the time to share the hope that we have through our faith in Jesus Christ.
My eyes are filled with tears as I remember that same trip to lay my mom to rest in the same cemetery. It is a surreal feeling realizing that our loved ones will not be physically present in our lives any more. I am grateful that my mom, like your brother in law is alive and full of joy in that heavenly home.
Thank you for this beautifully written and touching post.
Beautifully portrayed, Anneliese.. I feel your grief and yet am also grateful for the truth of the pastor's words... Harry's life is not over - the story ending isn't at the cemetery. And in that we as believers can comfort one another.
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