by Melanie Jongsma, Director of Communications

“This means a great deal to the Hospice team,” says Maribeth Anderson to the families assembled in the chapel. They have gathered for the 2010 Tree of Light ceremony, a Providence Hospice tradition for families who have lost a loved one during the previous year. The ceremony takes place before Thanksgiving, and helps people prepare for their first holiday season without their loved one.

Maribeth is somewhat emotional herself as she welcomes the crowd. Her father received Hospice care from Providence this year before passing away in March. Maribeth apologizes for her obvious efforts to “try and hold it together,” but the apology is unnecessary. These people understand.

“The team has worked very hard,” she continues, “and they are very compassionate, caring women and men. So this service means a great deal to them.” The service begins, and with prayers, readings, hymns, and Scripture, loved ones are commemorated and God’s promises are affirmed.

The highlight of each year’s Tree of Light service is the roll call of loved ones — as each name is read, a personalized ornament is placed on a lighted Christmas tree at the front of the room, as shown in the clip below. (Providence Hospice staff say placing the ornaments helps them find closure as well as the family.) After the holidays, each ornament is removed from the tree and sent to the family as a memento of their loved one.

What special holiday traditions does your family observe in order to honor the memory of a loved one who has passed on? Or what Bible passages are particularly meaningful to you during the holidays? By sharing them in the comments below, you may be a blessing to a grieving family who needs to be reminded of Christmas hope.

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