Christmas in Heaven

December 2003 & February 2004

I wrote this poem in memory of June Habbestad, who taught many years at the Christian Academy in Japan. I got to know her after she retired and returned to the US and attended our church. She was a wonderful woman and will be missed by many. She died a few days before Christmas 2003.

She celebrated Christmas in Japan
And she spread the word to the Japanese
Of a baby born in a far-off stable
She taught missionary kids
Of the Child in the manger
Who came to save their souls

She celebrated Christmas in America
She saw the children she had taught
Grown up and teaching their children
Of the Child in the manger
Who came to die to save them from their sins
And so her legacy lives on

She's celebrating Christmas in Heaven
At the feet of the One who was born in a stable
For the first time, she can celebrate His birthday
And look in His face
She's sitting at His feet
And learning from Christ
Just how much He gave
To save her soul
And there she will ever be
Worshipping and shouting His praises
At His feet