- April 20, 2024
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For the holiday season, many look at it as a time of family, joy and generosity — at least that's the usual story, according to Tomoka United Methodist Church Pastor Brian Johnson.
"I'm reminded that for a lot of people," he said in a recent video, "there are memories and feelings that go along with Christmas that are hard."
Rev. Johnson is offering a special service for people who experience reminders of lost loved ones, hurt, pain or grief experienced in the year or years past. "Hope for Christmas" is designed to acknowledge and give support when the holidays hurt because he too understands what that's like.
"The first year we offered Hope for Christmas, my dad was struggling with colon cancer and was running out of options, including experimental studies at major university hospitals," he said. "That year, I lit a candle to represent the fear of the unknown. Over the next year, the doctors had nothing left to try, and my dad was weary after a 10 year battle. He passed away last September 2014. So last year, I lit a candle for the grief of losing my dad. This year, in a new church, I will light a candle for the struggle of wanting to call, but knowing I can’t. I walk away each year with a greater hope, and a thankfulness for what I do have; faith, a great family, my wife and daughter, a church, and friends."
Though the goal is to offer support for anyone who needs it, regardless of church affiliation, or not. All are welcome.
"My hope is this service meets people in their hurt, and helps to reshape their holiday experience," he said. "I did this for two years in Orlando, and it was clear, there was a clear need being met."
