Longest Night Service - Maplewood United Methodist Church

For many people, the Advent season and the approaching Christmas holiday do not bring with it the joy and happiness that is advertised on television or in greeting cards, or that we hear in endless Christmas carols and holiday songs on the radio. Dealing with the death of a loved one, facing life after divorce or separation, coping with the loss of a job or financial emergencies, living with cancer or some other disease that puts a question mark over the future, and a number of other human situations make parties and joviality painful for many people in our congregation and community. For those who are far from their hometowns or friends and family, often for the first time, feelings of loneliness can be stronger than celebration. Even the fast pace and pressures of the holiday season can be too stressful and overwhelming for many, turning the "happy holidays" into a time of sadness, frustration, or anger. Instead of the traditional red and green holiday colors, for these people, the color of Christmas is blue.

Held when the nights are at their darkest and when it seems that the light may never return, the "Longest Night" service at Maplewood UMC creates a sacred space for people living through dark times. The service is reflective, accepting where we really are, and holding out healing and hope, as we remember that the dawn does defeat the darkness, and that Jesus, whose birth we anticipate and celebrate this season, came to bring the Light to all the world.

If you are experiencing a "blue" Christmas - whether due to loss, crisis, separation, or stress - please join us for this special service on December 20th, at 7 PM, as we gather to watch through these longest nights, and remember that the Light does overcome the darkness, and that there is hope in the coming dawn of Christ.