Finding Light in the Shadows of Christmas
Dear Church Family,
As I look around, I see more homes lit up with Christmas decorations and lights, and the shopping centers seem even more crowded than last year. I read in the news that spending during Black Friday hit record highs. Even as the weather turns colder, it is good to see people out and about, full of energy and activity.
However, amidst this festive atmosphere, there are still those among us facing hardships. Many are unable to enjoy the same joy as others due to health issues, financial struggles, family concerns, broken relationships, or other limitations. In fact, for some, comparing their situation to the festivities around them makes this season feel even lonelier and more difficult.
This time last year, my own father was in the hospital, unconscious. My family’s hearts were heavy and uneasy. Yet, at church, amidst the busy planning for Advent, Bible studies, and sermon preparations, I carried on as if everything was fine. But deep down, the reality of my father lying in that hospital bed always weighed on my heart. I couldn’t express those feelings at church, or sometimes even at home. I lived as if nothing was wrong, perhaps because of my responsibilities as a pastor and a parent.
It may feel a bit early to share this with you, but I want to ask for your prayers for Pastor Heather. Her father, Bill, has been hospitalized after suffering multiple strokes, and the decision was made today to move him into hospice care.
Pastor Heather has been carrying this heavy burden without showing it to you, fulfilling her calling and responsibilities as a pastor while caring for her family. She has been working all day, driving back and forth to Okmulgee to care for her parents, and even coming out on Saturdays for the Bixby construction project, all while preparing her sermons.
Just as her leadership, passion, dedication, and preaching have impacted our lives, I ask that you now support her with your prayers and love during this difficult time.
Writing this makes me miss my father even more. My daughter still comes to me in tears sometimes, saying she misses her grandpa. Each time, I comfort her by saying, "Let’s treat Grandma better, and let’s love the people who are with us right now even more."
If I have stirred up a sense of longing for someone you miss, I apologize. But perhaps, we can turn that longing into an act of love and expression for those who are by our side right now.
If your heart feels heavy or you are missing someone dearly, please remember that we have our Blue Christmas Service this Sunday at 5:00pm in the Faith Tulsa Chapel. I pray that the Lord, who accepts you exactly as you are, will touch each of your hearts.
Even so, I hope you all have a Merry Christmas, rejoicing in the birth of baby Jesus.
Merry Christmas!
- Pastor Seungrok
