The name of this service comes from the season in which we experience the longest night of the year. But the name, “Longest Night”, also describes the feelings that a number of us have during this season.  In the long, dark winter nights, memories of past experiences and the pain of present experiences and situations can become overwhelming.  For some, Christmas Day is the most difficult. For others, Christmas Eve, or New Year’s Eve, or the beginning of another lonely year.  In this service, we invite you to listen. We invite you to pray. We invite you to sing.  We invite you to meditate upon the pain and anguish you may bring – and we invite you to offer your pain to the Christ Child who Himself is the wounded healer. We invite you to light a candle as you remember your loss and we trust that you will find hope and comfort in knowing that you are not alone.  God is with us – Emmanuel!