A Celebration of Life

The full-page orbituary attracted not just a look from me, but three looks. First, the deceased is foremost named as an "Elder", with no mention of the material titles that might be expected to be listed for such a celebrity businessman. Second, the orbituary is headlined as "A Celebration of Life", rather than the normal notification of death. Third, instead of the usual memorial services, "celebration services" will be held before the funeral. An extraordinary orbituary indeed.

The orbituary of Elder Tang Wee Cheng heartens me though I do not know him in any personal capacity nor have any acquaintance with him whatsoever. From the Christian perspective, his passing away is an occasion for joy and rejoicing, hence the call to a "celebration of life" and "celebration services", for eternal life with Jesus in heaven is the greatest gain we may expect. Here, I share the sentiments expressed by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Philippian church:

"21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!

23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;

24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body."

(Philippians 1 : 21 - 24)

And what is heaven like? The vision of the "new Jerusalem" given to the Apostle John when he was exiled on the island of Patmos provides a glimpse of what we might expect of heaven - no more pain, no more tears, no more death.

"1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.

2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.

3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.

4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

(Revelation 21 : 1 - 4)

In accordance with the Christian spirit, my friend held a posthumous celebration party on Christmas eve in remembrance of her husband who passed away just a month ago at the end of last Nov. Instead of mourning, there is rejoicing. Instead of tears, there is good cheer. Instead of death, there is life in Jesus Christ.

Coming back to the orbituary of Elder Tang Wee Cheng, I am much taken by the eulogy focussing foremost on his station in life as servant of God and his love for God:

"A LIFE OF LOVE AND SERVICE TO THE LORD

A faithful servant of our Lord Jesus Christ, and an exemplary role model who love the church like his own family.

A filial and obedient son, a lovng and dutiful brother.

A devoted husband of 48 years.

A dedicated father who taught his children by example, to walk with Jesus Christ.

A doting grandfather who kissed and hugged his grandchildren at every opportunity.

A servant-leader, endeared as "Mr Wee Cheng" at work.

A truly loyal and genuine friend."

(From the orbituary of Elder Tang Wee Cheng)

And so, may the good God help me to live the life that is pleasing to Him in every way, so that I may stand unashamed in front of the Lord Jesus when I join Him in heaven. And when the time comes for me to go home to Jesus, I would want to have a joyous celebration service too, instead of the usual memorial service. Brothers- and sisters-in-Christ and friends - take note!