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Blue Christmas, also known as the Longest Night, is a Christian tradition that takes place on or around the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, typically occurring on December 21. It's a day to acknowledge that, although Christmas is often associated with feelings of merriment and brightness, some are grieving or struggling during the holidays. Hence, our catchphrase: sometimes green and red make blue. Our Blue Christmas service is a reflective service where people are given a place to express grief, disappointment, or heartbreak at Christmas. The point of the service is to express all of our emotions, including the hope found in Christ and the promise that God is near and cares for us. We understand that the holiday season can be difficult, and we are here to support you. The service will include readings, prayers, and music that acknowledge the pain and struggle that some may be experiencing during the holiday season. It's a safe space to express these feelings and find comfort in the hope of Christ. -Mourning the death of a loved one -Acknowledging a change in a relationship, such as divorce or separation, or the loss of a role, as we become empty nesters or retirees -Suffering from illness, addiction, or estrangement -Feeling lonely -Struggling financially -Feeling hurt by violence or pain in the world As part of our Blue Christmas service, we take time in the midst of the holiday cheer to acknowledge the darkness of life; even in our darkness, we recognize that we are not alone, that Christ is with us, and we invite His light back into our lives. This year, Countryside Christian Church in Winchester, Indiana, will partner with First Christian Church of Hartford City to offer a Blue Christmas Service on Sunday, December 21, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church, located at 500 N. High Street in Hartford City. We are grateful for this partnership and the opportunity to stand in solidarity with our sister church, recognizing that we are all part of the One Body of Christ. We invite all members of the Body of Christ to join us on that day as we recognize that even during the Christmas Season, feelings of sadness, depression, or what we used to call the blues are natural and can be normal. It's okay to feel this way, and we want you to know that you're not alone. But still, we are reminded on the longest day of the year that with each passing day, the light will increase and the daylight will grow longer. Even in the midst of darkness, through the light of Christ, we remember that the light of the world comes to all. -Pastor Melissa
