?Blue Christmas? service Dec. 20

To the editor:

It?s Christmas time again, when the sights and sounds all around us ? from television and radio programming to our city?s beautiful Central Park lights to our neighbor?s yard decorations ? all tell us ?it?s a time to be jolly.? Some feel that they must force themselves to be merry because, after all, ??tis the season.? In reality, however, they feel anything but merry.

On Sunday, Dec. 20, the First Presbyterian Church in Fairfield will once again host a ?Longest Night? Service at 5 p.m. This service, also known as a ?Blue Christmas? service, is a time to acknowledge that, for a wide variety of reasons, we are not always filled with holiday cheer.

This special Christmas service will give people an opportunity to quietly remember the losses we struggle with everyday, but especially at this time of year. Whether it is a loved one who is missed because of the separation of death, divorce, or simply distance, or family conflicts, or job problems, or other personal struggles, many of us have reasons to be ?blue? during the Christmas season.

But in this time of acknowledgement of our sadness there will also be a reassurance of the truth that Jesus Christ - the greatest Christmas gift of all - offers real joy and true comfort for all of our pain and fears. The service will include communion for those who wish to partake. Please consider joining us - all are welcome.

? Sally Denney, Fairfield