Vernon UMC plans Blue Christmas service

VERNON — The Vernon United Methodist Church will hold a Blue Christmas service on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 7:30 p.m.

Christmas can be a painful time for some. It may be the first Christmas without a loved family member who has recently died; it may be a time that has always been difficult.

The constant refrain on the radio and television, in shopping malls and churches, about the happiness of the season, about getting together with family and friends, reminds many people of what they have lost or have never had. The anguish of broken relationships, the insecurity of unemployment, the weariness of ill health, the pain of isolation — all these can make us feel very alone in the midst of the celebrating and spending. Some need the space and time to acknowledge their sadness and concern; and need to know they are not alone.