PRESTONSBURG — Christmas isn’t a joyful season for everyone. For some it can be downright depressing.

With that in mind, the First United Methodist church will be offering a service for those dealing with the negative emotions often felt during the holiday season.

The special holiday service, called the “Longest Night: A Blue Christmas,” will be offered to people for whom Christmas joy is tinged with grief, suffering and loss, says the church’s pastor, Dr. Jim Adams. The service will be held on Dec. 21, the winter solistice, which is the longest night of the year.

“Many of us anticipate a Christmas that is overflowing with joy and a festive atmosphere. But, a joyful Christmas celebration isn’t like that for everyone,” Adams said. “There are many persons in our community who have gone through a divorce, lost a loved one, a job, a home, received a devastating medical diagnosis, or who are in the midst of some other life-changing loss or deep sadness.”

Adams says that the crux of the Christmas story is to remind us that God is with us. “So this service will provide an opportunity for people to sing familiar hymns, recount the Christmas story, light candles of remembrance, and shed a tear.”

The church encourages those who have lost a friend or loved-one to bring a picture of that person to be placed in the candle-lighting area of the church.

The service will be at held at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 21, at First United Methodist Church.