Death. It is something that both intrigues the world, and scares the world. It is something that we are faced with everyday, sometimes expectedly, and other times not. It is something that causes philosophers to sit and wonder, what really happens when someone dies. Is there a soul? Is there an afterlife? And if so, what is the afterlife like?

Some people have set answers as to what happens after death. Atheists proclaim non-existance, that this life is all there is. Buddhists and Hindus believe that we'll get another chance, constantly living in the "hamster wheel" of life until we reach Nirvana. Yet, others aren't so sure, and the very thought of death brings a deep conviction, a fear of the unknown.

But for Christians, death is something else all together. There is a hope, a life existing with God. I remember reading about Cassie Bernall in "She Said Yes." When she was asked if she believed in God, she quickly replied "Yes," most likely knowing that answer would cause her death. Yet, at an extremely young age, Cassie died with a great hope. A hope that there was something more, something worth proclaiming.

Because as sad as death is for us on earth, and as much as we mourn and miss those who have passed; the truth is, death is only the end of our life on earth. We do not simply cease to exist, or end up stuck in the "hamster wheel" of reincarnation (Hebrews 9:27), but rather we move on to live with God, in Heaven, for eternity (2 Corinthians 5:15). We move on to a place where we can truly glorify our Lord, a place that is free from pain and suffering (Revelation 21:3-4).

As Christians, we should not be ignorant, as Paul says, regarding those who have passed away. Rather we should rejoice that they are with the Lord, in a place more peaceful and joyous than we can ever imagine. And for ourselves, when darkness seems to surround us, we should remember that nothing can separate us from God's love (Romans 8:38-39), and that we have absolutely no reason to fear death (1 John 4:17).

Or as one person put it, "A Christian's life is really nothing more than a bus ticket to Heaven... sure it may be a bumpy ride now and then, but the destination is worth the price paid."