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The Service of the Longest Night

The Christmas Season is often seen as a time of fun and family gatherings, with gift-giving, tinsel and bright lights. But there is another side that is rarely addressed. For many people, Christmas can be a time of sadness and loneliness.

Even as we give thanks for friends and loved ones, we also remember those who are absent through death or divorce or by distance or estrangement. We grieve as well for loss of job or hopes, dreams, or loss of life’s meaning through depression, loss of inner peace through painful memories of any and all kinds. These are the places in our lives where we can feel empty.

The Longest Night Service invites members and friends, co-workers, neighbors, and family members to leave for a moment, the distractions of bright lights and busy activity to step into the darkness of the longest night. As frightening as it may seem, many good things-even comfort and warmth-can be found in the dark. At Christmas, out of the dark a Star shines. Out of the dark a baby’s cry is heard, and God’s Spirit brings healing and a returning light to our lives.

The miracle of the Incarnation-God made flesh-can heal and transform us. For if we can open our saddened hearts to the “One who comes with healing in His wings (Malachi 4: 2), then God’s own life and love can offer us the profound healing miracle of Christmas: God-with-us, Emmanuel!

Please join us for this special service of scripture readings, stories shared, special music and the beauty of candle-lighting.

Join Us Thursday, December 21 at 7:00 p.m.