While Christmas is full of cheer, it’s not always the happiest time for all, and with that notion, King of Kings Church will be hosting a Longest Night service on Sunday, Dec. 23 at 7 p.m.
According to Pastor Bill Bendert, the idea behind the Longest Night service (sometimes known as a Blue Christmas service) is that Christmas Eve is actually the longest night of the year.
‘It evolved from the idea that Christmas for many people is not always a time of celebration,? he added. ‘It’s a time of loneliness, it’s a time of remembering those lost in the last year.?
‘It recognizes that for some people, the holiday is the longest and the loneliest.?
According to Bendert, the mass is a quiet, subdued mass.
‘It focuses on the losses that people have experienced and how God tells us Jesus is the light shining into the darkness,? he said.
At the mass, individuals will light candles, pray and hear music that tends to be more healing than celebratory.
‘There are many people that are hurting at this time of year,? Bendert said. ‘We’re interested in touching people’s lives that have been hurting.?
‘It has been a tough year for so many people,? he added, noting the housing and job market. ‘Maybe it’s a good time to recognize that.?
No collection will be taken at the service, and the whole community is invited.
The service will last under an hour, and individuals are invited to stay and pray for as long as they like.
According to Bendert, Stephen ministers will be present after the mass for anyone who wishes to speak with someone.
‘It’s a way to celebrate Christmas quietly,? Bendert said. ‘It’s a quiet service in the midst of a lot of busyness.?
This the first year King of Kings is hosting a Longest Night service and anyone looking for more information can contact them at (248)693-1676.