Gifts God Gives Us: A Tribute to Stephanie Jeppsen Bennett

Tonight my thoughts are with my wife's extended family. Just this morning my wife got a phone call from her mother about her cousin. Yesterday, she went to the hospital with pains thought to be related to her pregnancy, but once the baby was born, they found she had passed away.

Although I knew her only briefly through occasional family gatherings, my heart breaks no less for her and her husband, children, family and friends.

What can be said more about love and sacrifice than a mother who gives her life for the birth of a child? Few acts of love and sacrifice are even comparable, let alone comprehendible. The reality of life at times like these may seem blurred, but two things should remain clear—her selflessness and God's love.

What a gift this young mother was from God to her family and friends, but losing her in this life is not a gift lost forever, because of the gift of Jesus Christ.

The birth of the Savior Jesus Christ was only an earthly beginning. The greatest gift God gave mankind came through Jesus Christ’s life, ministry and His atoning sacrifice in our behalf. This act alone broke the bonds of sin and death for all mankind, making it possible for all of us to live with God and our loved ones again, if we will but follow Him.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 

Jesus Christ took upon Him not only all of our sins in the Garden of Gethsemane, He took upon Himself our pains, afflictions, sorrows, and burdens. His love is real. If we can turn to Him, He can take these pains from us. If we pour out our hearts to Him, He will help us see more clearly the brightness tomorrow holds. He will give us hope in all the goodness that surrounds us, even when the day seems dark or dim. Jesus Christ paid recompense in our behalf to bring to pass our salvation.

Through the heartache of this young mother’s passing, I pray that her newborn child may stand as a symbol of her sacrifice and love, of the Savior’s atoning sacrifice, and of God’s love for all of us. How beautiful is the life of this newborn child.

Jesus Christ’s willing sacrifice made it possible for all of us—especially this young mother and her little family—to be reunited in God’s eternal realms with our families forever.

The greatest gift God ever gave mankind was Jesus Christ! May we never forget this truth. May we find hope, solace and peace in Him—The Prince of Peace. And may the true spirit of Christ be with us this Christmas.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bennett Family this Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

Please help Stephanie's young family this Christmas by clicking on this link: Stephanie “a mother’s love knows no bounds!”