First Presbyterian Church Offers 'The Darkest Night' Service

Press release from the First Presbyterian Church of River Forest:

Dec. 13, 2022

The First Presbyterian Church of River Forest (firstpresrf.org) will offer a “Darkest Night” service on Wednesday, December 21, at 7:00 pm., to provide comfort for those who have lost loved ones, are experiencing grief, or struggle for any reason during the Christmas season.

The Darkest Night service is a Christmas service for those who find Christmas difficult, held on the winter solstice and longest night of the year, December 21. Unlike traditional Christmas services, this service will have a more quiet and somber feel with scripture, music and meditations focusing on the comfort God offers during dark times. A time to acknowledge the sadness and darkness with the reassurance light and hope of Jesus.

“Christmas is a celebration of Jesus’ birth, but the forced joyfulness in our society can also make it a painful time for some,” explained Paul Detterman, senior pastor. “This time of year, we are surrounded by a constant refrain of family, gatherings, celebrations, and gifts/affluence. For people grieving or in pain, this isn’t always a happy time of year. The Darkest Night service is a place to be authentic, to acknowledge the sadness and to remember there is a light in the midst of the darkness.”

Open to all, regardless of religious affiliation, the Darkest Night service is a reflective service with a quiet and somber feel. With scripture, music, and meditations, it will focus on the comfort God offers during dark times.

This press release was produced by the First Presbyterian Church of River Forest. The views expressed here are the author's own.