For anyone who has visited the Holy Land, one of the highlights of that experience is to visit the Garden Tomb site that is located in Jerusalem. Most bible scholars would agree that this is probably not the actual location of Jesus’ resurrection, but it does have a lot of similarities to the description of it that we find in the gospel accounts.
Visually, it is stunning because the setting of that empty tomb has a beautiful garden that is filled with all kinds of colorful and well-maintained plants. So, just by scanning over the landscape of this holy site, it really does help you to feel like you are right there at the empty tomb with Mary when she encountered the Risen Christ.
The hymn, “In the Garden” which was played for us a little bit ago is a hymn that is based on the Easter story when Mary visited Jesus’ tomb. As I mentioned, that was one of John’s favorite hymns as it is for many of us as well. In a survey of favorite hymns, “In the Garden” ranked #5 which is saying a lot because in the hymnal here at Oak Grove, there are over 600 hymns from which to choose!
Just as the Garden Tomb site in Jerusalem helps people to get a geographical feel of what it must have been like on that first Easter morning in encountering the Risen Christ, the hymn, “In the Garden” offers a musical way for us to be reminded of Jesus’ resurrection.
Verse 1 says, “I come to the garden alone while the dew is still on the roses, and the voice I hear falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses. And he walks with me, and he talks with me, and he tells me I am his own; and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.”
This is the good news that was an important part of John’s life. It’s why he and Alta have given so much of their time and resources to this church. When we offer the church our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness as it says in our membership vows, it helps us to live out this good news of our faith that Jesus is risen.
The family was telling me all of the ways that they were involved in the church, like providing food for fund-raiser meals, making needed repairs of the building, and faithfully attending worship services every Sunday. John and Alta were quite the team. I understand that they have been married for 66 years. And what a family they have! 3 daughters, 4 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. You are all truly blessed!
One last thing that I’d like to share about the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem. The best part of that visit is that you get to go inside that tomb. And the wonderful thing is that it is empty. And just before you leave to go back outside, there’s a a sign that says, “He is not here for he is risen!”
This is the good news of our faith even as we stand here in this cemetery today. Death does not have the last word because we have a Risen Savior.
John Alexander Seaber, 88, of Blythewood, died on Sunday, August 20, 2023. Born in Columbia, SC on April 6, 1935, he was a son of the late John Alexander Seaber, Sr. and Verona Legwin Seaber. Mr. Seaber was a 1959 graduate of Clemson University and longtime member of Oak Grove United Methodist Church. Following his graduation from Clemson, Mr. Seaber worked as an Engineer and later as a salesman in construction and oil supply industries. His most fond memories were made with his beloved family or supporting the Clemson Tigers and Atlanta Braves. He was an avid Gardner, lover of animals, and anything that supported his desire to be outside under the sunshine. Later in life, many of his days began with his wife, and eventually his grandson, Jim, as they spent every morning at Lizards Thicket for breakfast.
Survivors include his wife, Alta Blume Seaber; daughters, Donna Seaber Raines (Eddie), Joan Seaber Graddick (Jimmy); and Karen Seaber Morrison (Benjie); grandchildren, Jenny Raines, Kaitlin Loveless (Reid), Jim Graddick (Kaelah), and Jarrett Wilson (Whitney); great-grandchildren, Griff Loveless, Gini Loveless, James Graddick, and Hope Wilson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Jim Seaber; and sisters, Ellen Seaber and Lydia Hawthorne.
The graveside service for Mr. Seaber will be held at 10 o’clock, Thursday, August 24th, at Oak Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery, 1801 Cedar Creek Rd, Blythewood, SC 29016. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 5 until 7 o’clock, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia.
Serving as pallbearers will be Eddie Raines, Jimmy Graddick, Jim Graddick, Benjie Morrison, Jarrett Wilson and Reid Loveless.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 3810; or to the charity of your choice.
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