Longest Night

We are entering into what most of us think of as the joyous season of Advent.  It will be a time of celebration and family.  Each week we will be hearing the stories of God’s promises fulfilled.   However, for many of you this is not a joyous time but a very difficult one.  Some of you are entering into this season with a sense of dread because of a loss that you have endured.  I want you to know that your church family has not forgotten you.

This year we will begin what I hope is a new tradition for First United Methodist.  On Sunday December 18 at 6 pm, we will have what I am told our first Longest Night Service.   For those of you that have suffered a loss, whether it is the death of a loved one, the loss of a job or even a divorce, the pain of that loss can make the holidays feel as if they are the longest nights of our lives.  So, in the Longest Night Service we will not only acknowledge that pain but also try to offer some healing.  

The Longest Night Service gets its name from the Winter Solstice.  The Winter Solstice not only marks the first official day of winter, but it is also literally the longest night of the year.  On that day, the sun sets earlier than any other day of the year.  This image provides a fitting metaphor for the Longest Night Service.

I want to encourage all of you to attend this service.  Even if you have not experienced loss this year, you can offer support and love to those in our congregation who have suffered loss.  I also would like for you to invite your friends and relatives that are struggling during the holidays.

One of the most wonderful things about a church is that we are family.  Family is there for one another to offer comfort and support.   This Advent we can come together not only to celebrate the coming of Christ but to carry one another’s burdens as well.