A pro tennis player's brother passes away unexpectedly during the French Open.  A father dies during Wimbledon.  A sibling dies in a traffic accident after we spend time together during the US Open.  A coach's son falls and dies during the Australian Open.  A father comes to our fellowship meeting at the US Open and, as expected, passes away within a year from cancer.  During Wimbledon, a different father has been told by doctors he has inoperable cancer and has only a few months to live.

All these players have loved ones who are missed during the holidays.  These are not some stories that we read about in the news.  They are about real people with real lives.

A nurse informed the three, clearly distressed, family members, who had just arrived at the hospital, that the man had died.  The wife was then handed a small plastic bag and inside was the wallet, wedding ring and watch of this husband and father.  At that moment I realized that is all we take away.

You could be next.  What can you do?  Prepare yourself.  Think about your life after you pass away.  Where will you go?  What will happen to those who love you and are left behind?  How will your passing impact those who love you?  Make plans now for your passing.  Make a will.  Purchase a burial plot.  Keep your personal papers in order. Give to others now, not later.  Spend time with someone you know who has lost a loved one this year.  Remember, the Christmas holiday is to be spent in remembrance of Christ but also with those you love and those who love you.