“Do not be afraid.”
It’s one of the most repeated lines in all of Scripture—and it shows up most powerfully in the Advent and Christmas stories. The angel says it to Zechariah, to Mary, to Joseph, and to the shepherds. And every time, it’s not a dismissal of fear, but an invitation to peace. God is about to do something new.
But let’s be honest—this season can be hard.
For all the glittering lights, Christmas carols, and joyful gatherings, many among us are carrying grief, anxiety, exhaustion, or all kinds of other emotions right now. Some are missing loved ones. Some are navigating illness, strained relationships, or difficult change. Others are simply overwhelmed by the world as it is—violence, loneliness, injustice, and uncertainty weighing heavily on hearts that long for peace.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re “supposed” to feel cheerful but just… don’t, please know:
You are not alone.
Advent is not a season of pretending. It’s a season of waiting. And longing. And hoping against hope that the light really is coming into the world again—even if, right now, we still feel surrounded by shadows.
That’s why this year, Emmanuel Lutheran Church and Forest Hills Presbyterian Church are coming together to offer a special joint “Longest Night” worship service on Sunday, December 21st at 7:00 pm at Forest Hills. For the last few years, we’ve invited those from Emmanuel to attend the service at Forest Hills, but this year we are hosting the worship together, and we’ve planned a hopefully meaningful service for us to share.
This service—sometimes called “Blue Christmas”—is held on the winter solstice, which is the longest night of the year. It’s a way of acknowledging that for many, this season is tender. It offers space to name that reality with honesty and compassion, while still holding onto hope.
Because the promise of Advent is not that everything will be easy or bright.
The promise is that God draws near to us in the dark, too.
If you are hurting, come.
If you are tired, come.
If you are grieving or anxious or uncertain—come.
And even if you’re feeling joyful this year, but know someone who isn’t: come for them. Come to pray for them. Come to bepresent for them.
“Do not be afraid,” the angel said. Because even in the longest night, “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” (John 1:5)
