There are many blessings a Pastor receives in the pastoring of a church. Among the top are being honored to preside at Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals. While the joy that is present at Baptisms and Weddings may not be at funerals, they are still a blessing. If we really dig deep into our beliefs, study what our Bible tells us and actually practice what it preaches, we would celebrate at all three. While the reasons for joy at Baptisms and Weddings is self-explanatory, perhaps we need to look at why we should be celebrating with joy at funerals when one of our Christian brothers or sisters go to meet their Savior. A Savior who has given us a reason to celebrate the passing of one of His own.
It is as if the hurt in our hearts at the death of a loved one overcomes the joy we should have on our faces with the knowledge that there is a resurrection. Easter and the example of resurrection after death is almost here. Jesus is resurrected, walks with His disciples and claims His life eternal with His Father in Heaven. Our joy lies in the belief that because Jesus died for our sins we too will be in Heaven with the father as resurrected beings. Life eternal with a purpose. Death is a doorway that we walk through into the light of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Nothing reminds us of our belief in life after death like the death of a loved one, a wife, a child, a husband, a mom or dad. We cannot know the depth of hurt people feel at the loss of their loved one. We can only love them and be there for them until they can work through the grief they must endure. Hopefully they will come through that grief with the knowledge that one day they will be with that person again. That is a promise not made by me but by our Savior.
Have a blessed day and remember it is your life in eternity that Jesus Christ died for,
Randy
Wesley United Methodist Church, Orange TX 
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