Worship: Sundays at 8:15, 9:40, 11:00 am | Wednesdays at 6:35 pm

Good News of Great Joy

Scripture: "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor bears a son, and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites. He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be our peace" - Micah 5:2-5a

Winter Solstice is the day of the year with the fewest hours of daylight. 

The Church often uses this day to recognize that, while the holiday season brings celebrations of great joy, not everyone feels cheery or festive. So, they offer "Longest Night" or "Blue Christmas" services to create sacred space for those living through periods of darkness - mourning the death of loved ones, divorce or broken relationships, job loss, severe illness, or any other number of life experiences that make the holiday season painfully difficult.

The Longest Night Service happens to be one of my favorite worship services of the year.

Why, you ask?

Because the Church has the responsibility of meeting people precisely where they are, offering grace where there is pain, serenity where there is suffering, light where there is darkness, and hope where there is despair. The Longest Night creates the perfect opportunity for us to gather in community and do just that.

After all, what is the "good news of great joy" that we celebrate during this season of the Church really all about? I'll let these song lyrics provide an answer:

"Good tidings to the world around
To the weak and the broken down
In a small, poor, and dirty town
Light has come.

A baby splits history
Emmanuel, Savior, King
Come sinner, let your eyes see
Light has come."

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, Good Shepherd, for protecting us in the darkest valleys of life. Amen.

Aaron Rousseau
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