Mourning and Comforting

I’ve been to lots of funerals. The best and most comforting ones are where Jesus is talked about the most. It is good to remind the people at the funeral of the good things about the person who has died, but it should never be the last word. The best, most fitting, last words are, “Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!” We mourn, but not like those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). A funeral is a resurrection celebration, because it is in the resurrection that we find true comfort in our mourning. As much as we may miss the person who has died, and as much as that person’s suffering might still be fresh in our minds, we know that death does not get the last word over that person. Jesus does, and He says, “Welcome home my child! Come! Let’s enjoy life together forever!”