As long as I can remember, on Christmas Eve everyone put on their Sunday Best, went to Grandma’s church, and then returned home to wait for Santa Claus. At least that was what Christmas Eve seemed to be for everyone else, but as a daughter of Mary, our Christmas Eve was a little bit different. We put on the Sunday Best and went to Grandma’s church, but when we returned home, we all sat together as my grandfather read the second chapter of Luke, the story of the birth of Jesus. Christmas time in my mother’s house was always centered on the gift of Christ. In our home, it was Mary who enjoyed this time of year most: the decorating, the planning, the cooking, the gift giving and the celebration of Christ’s birth. The Christmas traditions—the evergreen wreath representing continuous life and victory over suffering; the Advent candles which represent joy, hope, peace and love—qualities that Mary exemplified throughout her life- help us to remember Christ and today, those traditions help us remember and celebrate Mary’s life.

Mary lived her life with hope and joy. Life is a journey, not a destination, and that is how Mary lived her life. While there were detours on the journey, Mary’s focus was always the journey and the opportunity to serve those she met along the way. When talking to people about her health, that is how she described it—a journey. She never let illness define her.  She refused to allow disease to limit the reach of her heart.

The love that Mary shared throughout her journey, with her family, friends, co-workers, patients, those at the Clifton Sanctuary ministries, probably everyone here, defines Mary’s life. Like the Christ candle we will light on Christmas Eve, Mary’s legacy is one of light and love.  Many of you wrote or have told us in person that, like the Magi, we have a bright star in the sky shining down on us. She has gone ahead of us, but as Jesus said, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”

We know where Mary has gone and that she will be waiting for us there. Her legacy to us is one of love, hope, peace and joy. We will honor her best by following her path of service and love.

I would like to leave you with this poem by Mary Elizabeth Frye :

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

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