?Blue Christmas? service Dec. 16 may fill needs

First Presbyterian Church recognizes the Christmas-time sights and sounds that are everywhere ? from television and radio programming, to neighborhood yard decorations ? send a message, ?it?s a time to be jolly.?

Some people feel they must force themselves to be merry because ?tis the season. However, in reality, some feel anything but merry, said the Rev. Joseph Phipps.

Fairfield?s First Presbyterian Church is hosting a Blue Christmas service at 5 p.m. Dec. 16.

The service, also known as a Longest Night service, is a time to acknowledge, for a wide variety of reasons, people are not always filled with holiday cheer.

The Blue Christmas service gives people an opportunity to quietly remember losses, whether it is a loved one missed through death or simply by distance, or a job loss or other personal struggles that can give people reasons to feel blue throughout the Christmas season.

?During acknowledgment of our losses, the service also will provide acknowledgment of the truth that Jesus Christ, the greatest gift of Christmas, offers true comfort and real joy for all our pain and fears,? said Phipps. ?Anyone is welcome to attend and be a part of this service.?