Redeemer Holding Several Holiday Services

, in Morristown, will hold several events for the holidays, on Dec. 4 and 18. All are welcome.

A press release is below:

A candlelit Advent Evensong service on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m. will be one of several highlights during Advent—a season of preparation for Christmas—at Church of the Redeemer, Morristown. Glorious choral music and traditional readings help to set a wonderful, contemplative tone and a festive reception follows in the parish hall. All are welcome to attend. Church of the Redeemer is located at 36 South Street in Morristown.

“Advent is a curious season,” said the Rev. Cynthia Black. “It invites us to slow down and reflect at a time when much of what is happening around us is not the least bit slow or reflective. At a time when it’s easy to get caught up in the fast pace of Christmas preparations we give folks an opportunity to think about God breaking into their lives in unexpected ways.”

On Sunday Dec. 18, at 7 p.m., Redeemer offers a different kind of worship service: one of quiet reflection and an acknowledgment that not everyone experiences the holidays in a "merry," upbeat mood. Called “Longest Night,” this service uses imagery and texts from a variety of faith traditions. The old English Christmas custom of decorating a Yule log with bits of evergreen is observed. This tradition comes from pre-Christian celebrations of the Winter Solstice.

Readings and song from Hebrew, Christian and Moslem traditions recall how our ancient ancestors celebrated the year’s shortest day as the point when light returns. All are welcome to share in this unusual service.