When Christmas feels like the “longest night”
“Longest Night” offers healing & hope at 3pm Sunday, Dec. 17, at PEACE Lutheran Church, 828 W. Main St., near downtown Grass Valley.
It may not feel like God loves you. It may not feel like He even knows you’re suffering. Holiday bustle may feel hollow, and Christmas may feel like “the longest night.”
For some people, Christmas cheer only heightens their sense of loss, pain and loneliness.
We’re here to tell you that God does love you. You are special. God does know everything that you are suffering, down to your bones, He knows it all.
Here, you can find relief and a reason to go on. At PEACE Lutheran Church, we want to embrace you in your time of need.
“Longest Night” offers comfort and hope amid holiday blues. This all-inclusive spiritual event presents meditation, music, song, candlelight, prayer and Bible readings to connect you to a loving and welcoming God.
God yearns for a relationship with you. To help you. To heal you. To walk with you through all your troubles and sorrows. To lift you up, dust you off, and to set you on your feet – on a new and fulfilling path of love and service in Him.
Anointed One
After this special time of reflection, you may come to the altar to receive a form of deep healing offered by ancient spiritual leaders: anointing with aromatic oil and the laying on of hands.
Both anointing and laying on of hands draw on ancient Jewish tradition. Anointing with oil symbolizes being set apart by God for a special purpose. Laying on of hands connotes a blessing and makes God’s presence real for the recipient, said the Rev. Eileen Smith Le Van, who will conduct the service.
Nearly 1 in 10 adults – including younger people – feel seriously depressed at some point during the year, according to a 2013 study by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. During November and December, when social commitments and material expectations rise, people may feel increased stress, anxiety and social isolation, the Mayo Clinic reported.
If you’re reading this, it’s because God calls you now to reach out and ask for the comfort and healing He eagerly offers you. We hope to see you at “Longest Night.”
Need more?
If you would like our pastor to contact you, please call our office at (530) 273-9631 or write to us here.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline – Call 1-800-273-8255. PLEACE CALL this number if you can’t reach someone locally. YOUR LIFE DOES MATTER! God loves you and wants you to live a full and happy live, so please, get help before you do something foolish.