It’s a dark season.

Short daylight hours, an overwhelming news cycle, a calendar that seems busier than ever. We’re weary and burdened.

We need a sturdier hope.

Not a flimsy dream of a better next year. We need a hope more reliable than the whimsies of circumstance or world events. We need the steely assurance that the light is always stronger than the darkness.

we must celebrate Christmas.

The birth of Jesus the Messiah, “the light who shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” God who knows our pain, our sorrow, our anxiety, our restlessness. “God with skin on,” as one member of our church family likes to say.

Traditional but not stuffy

We sing Christmas carols together. We hear the Christmas story. We lean into the mystery of “the Word who became flesh.”

And we enjoy diverse music and candlelight (glow sticks for the kids).

“The thrill of hope, a weary world rejoices”

Will you join us?

Details

Time:
4:30 pm.

Location:
Middle Street Baptist Church (18 Court St, Portsmouth), on the corner of Middle Street and Court Street.

Is there parking?
Yes, behind our church building. Or on the streets.

Can I bring my kids?
Please do! We’ll have glow sticks for them during the service.

How long will the service last?
About 45 minutes.

Should I bring anything?
We will collect an offering to benefit the Clipper Family Fund, which provides emergency assistance to Portsmouth High School students in need (and their families). We would be touched if you contributed to this effort.

If you prefer to give online, head over to our giving page, and select “Christmas Eve Offering (Clipper Family Fund).”