For many people, the Christmas/holiday season is wrapped in joy, laughter, lights, decorations, jingle bells, and celebration. That’s why the greeting, “Merry Christmas!” flows so easily from their lips. But for others, this season feels heavy – and not very merry. At. All. Loss feels sharper, loneliness sounds louder, and brokenness is so much more visible. When the world insists on cheer it can feel really isolating to admit that your heart is tired or sad. Yet Scripture reminds us that God isn’t afraid of our sorrow – and neither should we be.
In John’s Gospel, we read: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:5). And the psalmist who penned Psalm 34 reminds us that “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
The Christian Christmas story begins not in brightness, but in darkness. The world into which the Christ Child entered was aching and broken – occupied by Rome, weary with waiting, and longing for deliverance. Into that darkness, God didn’t send an explanation. God sent God’s presence… wrapped in warm, living, breathing, human flesh. Emmanuel – God with us – came not only for our joy, but for our pain.
This is why the Longest Night of the Year Worship Service holds such deep and sacred meaning. Have you ever heard of it? Falling on the winter solstice – which is literally the longest night of the year (this year it’s December 21 st ) – this worship service provides sacred space for grief, lament, and quiet hope. It acknowledges that faith doesn’t erase sadness, and that worship can be honest even when hearts feel broken. In other words, it’s okay that you’re feeling the way you are, even at Christmas time. In the soft glow of candlelight a comforting, holy truth is proclaimed: even in our darkest night, God’s light hasn’t gone out – and no darkness (no matter how dark it gets) will ever be able to overcome it.
If you’re grieving this Christmas, you’re not “failing” at faith. If you feel broken, take comfort in knowing that you aren’t alone. God draws especially near to those who are hurting. The promise of Christmas isn’t that everything will suddenly feel better – but that God has entered our darkness and will never abandon us there.
So, if you’re feeling not very merry this holiday season, I encourage you to find and attend a
Longest Night of the Year service (also known as a Blue Christmas service) in your community.
And when you go, go just as you are. Bring your tears, your questions, and your weariness.
Behold! The Light has come into the world, and the darkness – no matter how long the night –
cannot overcome it. Ever.
— Rev. Jaime (The Creature Preacher)
