The Sweetest Gift ft. Craig Aven

“So last year, was a really tough year for us. We lost our daughter, Annie. People talk about grief, pain, fear, sorrow. All of these words, can’t really describe how you feel when you really go through the loss of a loved one. Even though we held onto hope, that we would somehow see her again, it was just a brutal time that we were going through, right at Christmas. It felt pretty hard to celebrate.

And then I found this song. It was just a video on Facebook by this Christian artist and he was singing about the very struggle I was having. As my wife and I listened to the words of this song, it expressed exactly what we were feeling. It also gave us what we needed at the time. That was comfort. So many people struggle with loss at this time of year, not just me. If you are missing someone this Christmas, I want to dedicate this song to you. I also want to dedicate it to Annie, my sweet Annie, who I miss very much.”
-Jon Schmidt

Lyrics:
I’m not going to lie.
Christmas really hurts this time
Cause you’re not here to celebrate with me.
Tears fill my eyes.
And memories flood my mind,
As I place your ornament upon our tree.
Although this year I have a broken heart,
It gives me hope and joy as I remember where you are.  

Chorus:
You’re with the Son of God.
You’re with the Prince of Peace.
You’re with the one we’re celebrating
And that thought amazes me.
Sometimes I still break down,
Grieving that we’re apart, but
But the sweetest gift is knowing where you are.
You’re with the Son of God.

Got your picture in a frame
And a stocking with your name.
Oh God knows it’s been hard letting go.
And I can’t bring you back,
But I’ll see you again.
And oh, that thought is healing to my soul.
I’ll miss making angels with you in the snow.
I guess instead you will be singing with them
All around God’s throne.

Chorus

And I know the Christmas season
Was your favorite time of year.
You loved to help us decorate our tree.
But now that you’re with Jesus,
I can’t imagine how you feel
Cause He’s the one who bled and died
Upon the tree for you and me.

Chorus

Credits:

“The Sweetest Gift” written by Craig Aven
Produced by Jon Schmidt and Chuck E. Myers “sea”
Arranged by Jon Schmidt, Chuck Myers, Al van der Beek & Steven Sharp Nelson
Craig Aven: Vocals
Jon Schmidt: Piano
Steven Sharp Nelson: Cello
Piano and vocals recorded by Jake Bowen at Big Idea Studios
Cello recorded by Al van der Beek at TPG Studios
Mastered by Al van der Beek