Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Romans 12:15
Romans 12:15
For many, the holiday season between Thanksgiving and the new year is the most joyful time of the year. We gather to celebrate with family and friends, we prepare special food and drinks, we adorn our homes and tables and buy gifts for one another, wrapping each gift lovingly and placing them under a decorated tree. We sing songs full of hope, promise and cheer. The holidays are a celebration of life, love, family, and friends.
However, for many, the holiday season is the most difficult time of the year. As the world celebrates, they feel like strangers in a foreign land: isolated, ignored, and invisible. The holiday season can be exceptionally difficult for those who have recently lost loved ones, those who lost loved ones during a previous holiday season, and for those who suffer from anxiety, loneliness, depression, or other stresses in their lives. For them, the holiday season creates a complex web of difficult personal feelings in open conflict with the public expectations of joy.
This year, in addition to our celebrating the joy and wonder of Christmas and the promise of a new year, St. James will make room for those who need a space where they can experience God’s healing and grace without pretending that everything is okay. On December 21, St. James will offer its first “The Longest Night” service. December 21st is the night of the winter solstice and the longest night of the year. It bears the promise that although the darkness is at its deepest, tomorrow the light will begin to return. This will be a simple, candle-lit service of quiet prayer, contemplation, and silence, acknowledging the pain and discomfort the season can bring, while grounding everything in love, hope and healing.
All are welcome to attend without explaining why you are there, and members of the community are welcome as well. We simply ask that you register in advance so that we have a list of attendees for contact-tracing purposes. Attendance is limited to twenty-five people, so please register early.
Fr. Stephen+
However, for many, the holiday season is the most difficult time of the year. As the world celebrates, they feel like strangers in a foreign land: isolated, ignored, and invisible. The holiday season can be exceptionally difficult for those who have recently lost loved ones, those who lost loved ones during a previous holiday season, and for those who suffer from anxiety, loneliness, depression, or other stresses in their lives. For them, the holiday season creates a complex web of difficult personal feelings in open conflict with the public expectations of joy.
This year, in addition to our celebrating the joy and wonder of Christmas and the promise of a new year, St. James will make room for those who need a space where they can experience God’s healing and grace without pretending that everything is okay. On December 21, St. James will offer its first “The Longest Night” service. December 21st is the night of the winter solstice and the longest night of the year. It bears the promise that although the darkness is at its deepest, tomorrow the light will begin to return. This will be a simple, candle-lit service of quiet prayer, contemplation, and silence, acknowledging the pain and discomfort the season can bring, while grounding everything in love, hope and healing.
All are welcome to attend without explaining why you are there, and members of the community are welcome as well. We simply ask that you register in advance so that we have a list of attendees for contact-tracing purposes. Attendance is limited to twenty-five people, so please register early.
Fr. Stephen+
