October 2024

If you ask me, "What's your favorite season of the year?" I would say, without hesitation, "Fall." There are many reasons for this, of course. I love the cool, crisp weather that fall brings. I love the smell in the air—a blend of bonfires, fresh air, and the earthy scent of fallen leaves. Apple picking is a tradition I look forward to every year. But, above all, the most captivating part of the fall season for me is the fall foliage. Growing up, my parents would take me every year to see the colorful display of leaves in the mountains. Since we lived in a town without mountains, we would drive about two hours to reach a beautiful mountainous area. It was always worth the trip. The vibrant reds, yellows, greens, and browns stretching across the landscape filled me with wonder. Even now, when I see the fall foliage, I’m reminded of those trips with my family. It’s a feeling of nostalgia that warms my heart. What I find most beautiful about the fall foliage is not just the individual colors, but how they come together in harmony. Every leaf has its own distinct color—some bright and bold, others soft and subtle. But when you step back and take in the whole view, they create a breathtaking mosaic of color. There’s something magnificent in the way all these individual leaves, each with its own unique shade, join together to create a unified display of beauty. It reminds me of the harmony that God has woven into creation. This image of fall foliage reflects something I also see in our church community. When I look at our congregation, I see diversity—people from different backgrounds, with different gifts, and different life experiences. Each person is unique, just like each leaf. Yet, we are all brought together by something greater than ourselves—our shared love for Jesus. Through Him, we are united in purpose and in love. Just as the leaves form a stunning mosaic of color, we, as the body of Christ, come together to create a beautiful harmony. What is it that binds us together? It’s the love of Jesus. Jesus, who was so passionate about the word "LOVE," connects us to one another. Through His love, we learn how to love each other, despite our differences. And it’s through us that the love of Jesus extends to the world. In this way, our diversity becomes our strength, and our unity becomes our testimony to the world.

In his book Everyone’s a Theologian, R.C. Sproul writes: "All Christians enjoy a unity of mission in which we have one Lord, one faith, and one baptism (Eph. 4:4–5). There is surely disunity in the visible church, but that is not as important as the reality of the unity that we enjoy by virtue of our shared communion in Christ." Just like the fall leaves, we are each different, yet we come together in harmony. The unity we experience in Christ is not about being the same; it's about being connected through love and purpose. Our differences don’t divide us—they enrich us. Together, we form a community that reflects the love and grace of God. So, as we enjoy this fall season, let us also celebrate the beauty of our unity in Christ. Let’s appreciate the unique gifts each person brings, just as we marvel at the variety of colors in the fall foliage. And let’s remember that, in God’s grand design, we are meant to be together in harmony, shining brightly in love and faith.
The journey continues... Pastor Choi