Not everyone feels very merry during the holiday season. Many people experience an even deeper sense of loss and sadness at Christmas. So, to help those in our community who may be struggling with such feelings the Hopewell Council of Churches will host a “Blue Christmas” service on Friday evening, December 21, 7:30pm at Calvary Baptist Church, 3 East Broad Street in Hopewell.

The service is intended to help address the needs of those experiencing grief caused by the death of a loved one, divorce, illness, unemployment, or other issues of loss. We’re hoping to offer some support and comfort to those in our community whose grief is sometimes deepened by the holiday celebrations around them. We want them to know that the Christmas story is primarily a story of hope and comfort – especially in difficult and uncertain times.

The service will be open to anyone in our community and will include a candle light vigil outside (weather permitting) where everyone will have the opportunity to light a candle in memory of a loved one or as a sign of hope.