reminiscences about the deceased are included in the funeral liturgy.26 Long concludes, “Since the cross makes so little sense, golf balls and charm bracelets move into the symbolic vacuum.”27 Throughout the centuries words of comfort have been spoken at funerals. Today preachers face a great challenge as they preach Christ in a culture that does not know much about him and in a culture that avoids thinking about death. Christian preachers can capture the moment to help mourners gain encouragement