Free trial: Funerals are a fact of life. Sooner or later everyone will ultimately come to the end of their life and pass away. The fact may seem cold but it is the nature of this world. Everything that now lives will one day die. It is a fact we seldom like to ponder or consider but it is true. Part of the rites of passage for death are funeral customs. There are a number of specific elements that are part of most christian funerals. There are several aspects or segments of the funeral service that most people never think about or put much thought into until they have to help plan a funeral. Here are just a few of the various elements that go into a standard christian funeral service.
The first words that are spoken usually take the form of a recited piece of poetry or specific verse of Bible. The standard theme of the opening sentence is to draw attention to the need for comfort for the family and friends of the perished.
Invocation (or) the opening prayer comes immediately after the Opening Sentence. Actually this is a short prayer over the service and for the family of the perished. These prayers are normally written and recited but could be spoken in a spontaneous manner.
Commemoration is the part of the funeral service which focuses on the perished and focuses on sharing aspects about the persons life. Depending on the region and the wishes of the family, the obituary is read. However, simply reading the obituary does seem more than a little impersonal. No matter how this handled the purpose is to celebrate the life of the perished.
There are usually a variety of scripture readings that are spread throughout the service but the first usually comes ether directly prior to or directly following the Commemoration. These reading are usually short for the sake of time and are often the choice of the family. The religious background of the family of the perished often determines the amount and the selection of scriptures included in the service.
Some funeral services allow for an open time of sharing about the perished. The sharing of memories about the perished are often unplanned and usually are extremely personal in nature.
The person who officiating the funeral will give a message focalized on the message of comfort for the friends and family. Christian funerals almost always focus on some aspect of the hope of heaven.
The sermon or message normally closes with a special prayer for the family of the perished. The prayer focuses on the needs of the family and for comfort during the days yet to come.
Last stage of the funeral service is, benediction or dismissal of the congregation. The benediction can take many different forms but usually is nothing more than a few words that announces the end of the formal service and directs the people to move to the burial service held at the cemetery.
Funerals may be less difficult to attend once we empathize the reasons behind various aspects or segments of the actual service. Taking the time to understand funerals will make us better prepared to lend comfort and help to those who are grieving.
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