THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 17TH DECEMBER 2025, WEDNESDAY MESSAGE
Untimely Grief
Mike Bertoglio (Washington, USA)
Today’s Reading
John 14:1-6
Jesus said, “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” – John 14:2 (NIV)
At Christmas, a time full of great expectations of joy, death is an unwelcome visitor. Unfortunately, we have no guarantee that death will bypass the holiday season and choose some other, more “convenient” time.
About three weeks before last Christmas, my only sister died. I was far away at the time and unable to visit her before her death. The previous year, a dear cousin and an aunt had died. So Christmas this year was bittersweet for me as I made plans to return home for my sister’s memorial service.
As I thought of those I have lost these past few years, my parents among them, the words of John 14:2 came to me: “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” I then pictured a banquet table set in one of those rooms with my parents, aunts and uncles, a cousin, and my sister — gathered together for a heavenly meal. And at the center of the table sat our Lord. The words of a Christmas hymn came to me: Immanuel, God with us. At Christmas, even in the depths of grief and loss, God promises to be with us as we celebrate our Savior’s birth.
Thought for the Day
Christmas reminds us of Immanuel — God with us.
Prayer Focus
Those grieving at Christmas
Today’s Prayer
God of peace, comfort all those experiencing grief this Christmas season. In the name of the One who conquered death and invites us to the heavenly table. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 17th December 2025 is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More
