During these shortest days and longest nights of the year, The Episcopal Parish of All Saints’ Church & St. George’s Chapel is hosting a Blue Christmas Service, designed to bring comfort to those who struggle to find the joy of the Advent and Christmas seasons.

At 6 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 21, the night of the winter solstice, All Saints’ Church at 18 Olive Ave. in Rehoboth Beach will offer an ecumenical service of prayer and music, which is designed for people who are coping with loss.

The Rev. Max Wolf, parish rector, said, “People who are suffering loss of any kind - through death, divorce, unemployment, addiction, homelessness, the war, prison, etc. - often hear the Christmas song that describes the most wonderful time of the year, but instead feel they are living the lyrics of the 1957 hit 'Blue Christmas' when Elvis Presley sings, 'I'll have a blue Christmas without you.'”

The service, created by the Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Kaeton, features a litany of prayer with the lighting of eight candles, which acknowledge the various losses in people’s lives, and offers prayers to God for transformation, healing and hope. Participants will also have the opportunity to write the names of their loved ones or their particular prayer petition on stars of hope which will be offered at the altar that night and whose intentions will be prayed for by the congregation throughout the Christmas season.

Special music has been planned, featuring two solos by Alex Helsabeck, the parish’s director of music and a member of the U.S. Army Chorus. A light supper will follow in the parish hall. Everyone is invited. Call 302-227-7202 with any questions, or go to www.allsaintsrehoboth.org.