Missing Grandma Brannon and thinking of friends and family who have also lost dear loved ones this year inspired the following poem:

 I miss someone this Christmas

Twill never be the same

As when we were together

And spoke each other’s name.

Why should I even celebrate

With those who act so glad?

Should I join the joyousness

When I feel alone and sad?

All the Christmas sights remind me

Of the memories we’d share

It hurts with such intensity

And pain I can not bear.

But missing one this Christmas 

Shows me how much I love

My God for being with me

Unseperated though above.

He shows me more about Himself

That I would never see

If I had my loved one

sitting next to me.

I love His name, Emmanuel

God ever by my side

I’m alone yet never lonely

As in Him I abide.

I’m giving and forgiving

In every breath I draw

Choosing to remember

that God is Lord of all.

And when I’m missing someone

He really fills their place,

If I will turn to Jesus

And experience His grace.

How deeply I appreciate

His everlasting presence

Because now I feel the longing

Left by my loved ones absence.

So that’s why I will celebrate

this Christmas time as well

With reverent, humble worship

That He is Emmanuel.

I’ll celebrate the season through

With folks who have so much to do,

Some love to sit and watch it snow,

And others bundle up and go.

To celebrate is no mistake

To bake more cake and cookies take

To parties with my family

And decorate the Christmas tree.

I’ll celebrate with neighbors near

Singing carols, oh so dear,

And drive around to see the lights

With friends of ours on snowy nights.

And as these outward joys resume

I’m feeling free inside

Although I miss someone so much

In God’s presence we abide.

I’ll praise Him every moment
He is all that I adore
In the pain of parted loved ones
I love His closeness more.