My family has a tradition of going to the Festival of Lights in Chickasha. In fact, we have gone there as a family nearly every year for 25 years. Our church would take a busload of people and we would eat at Jake’s BBQ followed by a stroll through the park. Through the years we have continued this tradition with friends and family, but there is one year that stands out above the rest, and that was in 1999. That is the year that I proposed to my wife, Suzanne, while at the Festival of Lights.
As we dated and started talking about getting married, Suzanne told me that I would not be able to surprise her if I were to pop the question. I had purchased the ring several weeks prior, but I was determined to surprise her, so I waited until we were going to the Festival of Lights. I had planned to ask her while we were walking around the park, so as we were walking around and she walked into the chapel made of lights, I knew it was time. I followed her inside the chapel while our friends started singing the song, going to the chapel. Suzanne started to leave and I told her to wait a minute. I got down on one knee and asked the question, “will you marry me?” She said yes and I was able to surprise her. So going back we always look for the chapel so we can relive or at least reminisce in the lights of that chapel.
The season of Advent is full of traditions for each of us. Whether it is putting up the tree on the day after Thanksgiving, going to see Christmas lights, or attending the Christmas Eve service at church, I have to think that this year our traditions may have to be adjusted. Don’t let the season be a time of darkness, but look to the Light of Christ. Jesus said in John 12, “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” This year may be different, and we may not be able to do things exactly like we have done in the past, but don’t lose sight of the Light of Christ.
Brent Manning, Director of Communications
