​Knox Kincardine hosting “The Longest Night” service, Dec. 19

The following is a message from Rev. Dan West of Knox Presbyterian Church, Kincardine, inviting those who are experiencing feelings of loss at this time of year, to attend “The Longest Night” service, Thursday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m., at the church.

The Empty Chair

It was the third Sunday in November. I had just arrived home from church and was changing my clothes when the phone rang. It was a nurse at the hospital in Chatham. She informed me that my dad had been brought into hospital and had died. This was sudden and unexpected. He was only 63 years old and we had been laughing and joking on the phone just two days prior. Life for me has never been the same since that day.

One of the greatest challenges we faced as a family that first year, was to embrace the joy and festivities of the Christmas season.

As we now find ourselves well into the holiday season, we do so with great anticipation. If you are a member of the Christian community, you are anticipating the coming of Christ. Others may be awaiting the coming of Santa Claus, family and time with friends. Perhaps, it is Hanukkah that you and your community are embracing.

Whatever your specific situation, if you have experienced the loss of a loved one this year, you may be struggling in the same way I did that first Christmas my dad died. We had young children in our family and wanted Christmas to be as special that year as it always had been but there was a wound, a deep hole that nothing could fill.

It seemed difficult and perhaps we wondered if it was even inappropriate to be sad, experiencing loss in a time that was meant to be filled with joy. I remember wanting to tell someone, anyone, that I felt so lost at the moment and that while their kind words of reassurance were appreciated, they didn’t really help. There seemed to be nowhere to go and be genuinely honest with my feelings.

I wanted to celebrate and do everything special that normally accompanied Christmas, but this year wasn’t normal. There was an overwhelming desire deep in my soul to find a place where I could be honest, perhaps even selfish, for a period of time.

With that in mind, we have endeavoured to provide such an environment for others and in my professional role, I am fortunate enough to do so.

Each year, as we approach the Christmas season, we at Knox Presbyterian Church in Kincardine, offer a brief time to gather with others who are experiencing feelings of loss at this time of year.

Thursday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m., we will hold a special service which we have entitled, “The Longest Night.” This is a time where we hope you can express your true feelings in a safe and accepting environment. There is no judgement, only a desire to sit with you as you attempt to navigate this holiday season in the best way possible for you and your loved ones.

I hope that you will accept this invitation, and please join us if you are struggling to find a safe place to just sit and be exactly where you are this year.

May the God of your own understanding bless you and comfort you in this chapter of your life.