“Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief.”—Proverbs 14:13.

I made yet another trip to the funeral home today. I have lost track of how many times I have gone to be with bereaved families in the past few weeks. It is particularly sad to lose a loved one during the holiday season, when you normally think of celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas with friends and family.

Many will gather with mixed emotions as they honor Jesus this Christmas. They may find it possible to share some laughs at church and family get-togethers, but when the festivities are over, the thought of missing someone becomes a stark reality.

Don’t forget those who are in mourning. They may seem to be doing all right, but many of us are quite adept at hiding our emotions. Remember them with a note, a phone call, a prayer, a kind word or a special touch. Try to add to their laughter and joy this holiday season.