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Andy Williams called it “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for some, the holidays are far from wonderful. Some struggle with grief or sadness.
“Society demands the Christmas-card perfect Christmas,” said the Rev. Terri Degenhardt, rector at St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church, which offers a service of hope on Dec. 21 to those facing a less than happy holiday season.
Loss of a loved one, a beloved pet, a job or one’s health may be the source of sadness during the season when others seem to be experiencing joy. Some may have a “blue Christmas” because of strained relationships with family.
Whatever the reason, Degenhardt believes there is hope, and “The Longest Night, a service of hope,” will offer it at 7 p.m. Thursday, at the church at 3321 Wheeler Road.
Degenhardt said they chose that specific night because it is the Winter Solstice and has the fewest hours of daylight, making it the longest night of the year.
It will feature songs of comfort and peace such as “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” which promises “God with Us,” not just of a babe in a manger but of a savior who promised a second return, she said. Other hymns include “Comfort, Comfort, Ye My People” and “Precious Lord, Take My Hand.”
Scripture readings include passages of hope and knowing the closeness of God.
The service will also reflect the season of Advent with the lighting of candles.
One of the most beautiful parts of the service, she said, will be a remembrance of those lost loved ones. when people light a candle in someone’s memory and speak their name.
Degenhardt said the service also reminds people of God’s love for them and His desire to take their pain.
Other “longest night” services will be at 7 p.m. Thursday at Saint Paul’s Church, 605 Reynolds St., and at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 3131 Walton Way.
Sometimes, it’s referred to as a Blue Christmas service. In Aiken, a Blue Christmas service is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday at South Aiken Presbyterian Church,1711 Whiskey Rd., Aiken.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for 35 years. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
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